
Glass _ 
Book 



"{■ 



n 



AN 



HISTORICAL MEMOIR 



OF THE 



PENNSYLVANIA SOCIETY, 

in 

FOR -__— »~~-— * 

PROMOTING THE ABOLITION OF SLAVERY; 



RELIEF OF FREE NEGROES UNLAWFULL5f HELD IN BONDAGE, 

AND FOR 

IMPROVING THE CONDITION OF THE AFRICAN RACE. 

COMPILED FROM 

THE MINUTES OF THE SOCIETY AND OTHER OFFICIAL DOCUMENTS, 

BY 

EDWARD NEEDLES, 

AND PUBLISHED BY AUTHORITY OF THE SOCIETY. 



phii-adelphia: 

E U R 1 H E W A N 1, T U O M P S O N , I" H I N T K U S, 

No. 7 Cartei-'s Alley. 

1848. 



■it 






r^-^ 



At the annual meeting of the Pennsylvania Society for pro- 
moting the Abolition of Slavery, held in Clarkson Hall, Twelfth 
month 30th, 1847, it was, on motion, 

Resolved, That a committee of three be appointed to request 
of our President a copy of his memoir on the Rise and Progress 
of the Pennsylvania Society for Promoting the Abolition of 
Slavery, &c., for publication, with power to make such amend- 
ments therein as may be deemed necessary. 

The following members were appointed the committee : — 
Isaac Parrish, Stephen Byerly, B. C. Bacon. 



CONTENTS. 



CHAPTER I. — Origin of Slavery. IntroJuction of African slaves into Ame- 
rica. Abolition of slavery commenced. Brief notice of its progress among 
the " Friends." Kidnapping of free negroes — Leads to an association for 
their protection. .......9 

CHAPTER ir — 1775. "Society for the relief of free negroes, unlawfully 
held in bondage" — Preamble to the Constitution — Hold four meetings — Pre- 
vented from continuing their labours publicly, by the occurrence of the revo- 
lutionary war. Interregnum of eight years. Notice of celebrated writers 
who early espoused the cause of abolition. Stand made by Coke, first bishop 
of the Methodists in America against slavery. - - - 14 

CHAPTER ni. — 1779. Measures tending to legislative proceedings upon the 
subject of slavery. Bill introduced into the House of Representatives of 
Pennsylvania for the " gradual abolition of slavery." Yeas and nays upon 
its being engrossed. 1780. Final passage of the law ; yeas and nays. Pro- 
test of dissentients. - - - - • - 20 

CHAPTER IV.— 1784. " Society for the relief of free negroes unlawfully held 
in bondage," organized. Brief notice of its operations from that time to 1787. 
The Society increases in usefulness and in public favour. Great accession 
of numbers. Committee appointed to revise the Constitution. 1787. The 
new Constitution adopted. Title of the Society changed. B. Franklin 
elected first President under the new organization. Copies of the Constitu- 
tion sent to the Governors of the different Stales — to T. Clarkson, and other 
eminent abolitionists. Memorial to the Convention to altar the Constitution 
of the United States, upon the subject of the slave-trade ; adopted. Letter 
from the London Committee for abolishing the slave-trade. Answer to that 
letter. ........ 26 

CHAPTER v.— 1788. Vessels still fitted out for the slave-trade. Application 
to the Legislature by petition. Supplement to the law of 1780 passed. Ameri- 
can captives in Algiers ; measures for their relief. Correspondence with Rhode 
Island respecting infractions of the law against the slave-trade. Notice of 
frequent addresses to abolition Societies in this country and in England — to 
Governors and legislative bodies. 1789. The Society chartered by Act of 
Assembly. 1790. Memorial to Congress upon the subject of the slavery 
of the Africans; signed by the President; Extract from it. Systematic mea- 
sures adopted for promoting the iiuprovement of the condition of the coloured 
people. Death of B. Frar.klin, President of the Society; resolution on the 
occasion. Operation of the Society not limited to Pennsylvania. - 33 

CHAPTER VI. — 1791. Attempt made to alter the law so as to allow slaves 
to be held in Pennsylvania on certain conditions ; effectually defeated by the 
Society. Memorial to Congress upon the slave-trade. Similar memorials 
from several States. Society formed in New Jersey. 1793. French emi- 
grants from the West Indies petition for the alteration of the abolition law, 
S.0 allow them to hold their slaves ; opposed and defeated. First notice of a 



school for coloiiroJ children. Proposition from the New York Society for a 
Coiiveiitioii of delegates from all the alioliiioii Societies in the United States 
to meet at J'liiladolphia ; acceded to. A meeting of this Convention 1st mo. 
\794-. C^urstion — '■ Whether .slavery, under any modification whatever, is 
not inconsistent with the Constitution of this State ;" tried and decided in the 
negative. .-.-...38 

CHAPTER Vlf. — 1796. Bill to prevent the trade in slaves heing carried on, 
and about to be laid before Congress. Committee to assist in its progress. 
New York merchants engaged in suj)plying the West India islands with 
slaves ; committee on the subject. Address to the Convention for 1797. 
Voluminous minutes of the Acting Committee alluded to. Two brigs seized 
and condemned by a jury in the District Court of the United States for Penn- 
sylvania ; hand culls, neck yokes, &c , found on board. Wilmington So- 
ciety about to suspend. Committee to visit and sustain them. Vesselsfitted 
out for West India ports for the slave-trade. 1799. Hill pending the Legis- 
lature for tiie total abolition of the slave-trade; foiled of success. Two Ame- 
rican vessels with many black pco{)le on board captured. Destitute condi- 
tion of blacks ; connniltce to alibrd them assistance and protection; 126 of 
them placed out. Committee to promote greater regularity of deportment 
amongst the coloured people ; report. Advice upon the subject of religion 
and morals. Committee to attend their places of worship; an address to be 
read. Visit to coloured families. Report of their number, &c. 1801. Bill 
before the Senate of Pennsylvania injurious and oppressive to the blacks. 
Interesting memorial upon the subject adopted. - - 43 

CHAl'TER VIII.— 1803. The venerable .lames Pcmberton, President of the 
Society for thirteen years, asks to be excused from further service. Dr. Benj. 
Rush elected President in his place; R. Patterson and T. Parker, Vice Pre- 
sidents. 1804. Special meeting in relation to a bill entitled, "An Act (or 
the abolition of slavery," being before the Senate of Pennsylvania. Memo- 
rial upon the subject. 1804. Case of the ship Rufus, sus])ected of being 
fitted out from this port for the slave-trade. - - - 49 

CHAPTER IX. — 1805. Twenty-five years after the passage of the " act for the 
gradual abolition of slavery. Labours of the Society less arduous subsequent 
to that event. Symptoms of decline in energy. Slavcholding domination 
increasing. Extracts from the address to the Convention for 1806, in rela- 
tion to these topics. Convention to meet triennially. 1809. Difficulties in 
the way of the Society again adverted to. Extracts from the address, show- 
ing the ideas held at that time in relation to the apathy then sensibly felt to 
prevail in tl;e Society. Law passed by Congress prohibiting the foreign slave- 
tiade. Abolition Society in Kentucky. Proposition to erect a school house 
for colored children. Completed in 1813. - - - 54 

(/HAPTER X. — 1811. Memorial to the Legislature upon the subject of kid- 
napping. 1813. Special meeting in relation to the trade in slaves carried on 
by American citizens under foreign flags. Memorial to Congress upon the 
subject. Extraordinary petition to the legislature for divers severe and op- 
pressive measures against the people of colour ; interesting memorial upon the 
occasion. Death of Dr. Benjamin Ru.sh, President of the Society ; resolu- 
tions upon the occasion. Dr. Caspar Wistar elected in his place. Schools 
under care of the Society, and the building named after 'J'homas Clarkson, of 
London. 1816. Committee appointed to assist the Acting Committee in 
detecting kidnappers who decoy free people away from home under false pre- 
tences. Proposition to petition the legislature of the State for amendments 
to the laws relative to the people of colour. Memorial to Congress in rela- 
tion to the same subject. Address to the American Convention; regret ex- 
pressed at the smill number of active members. Report of the labours of the 



Acting Committee. Important decision of the Supreme Court of Pcnn^l- 
vania. " Tlie Apprenticing Committee" appointed as part of the Committee 
for improving the condition of the coloured people — final report. - 59 

CHAPTER XI, — 1818. Proposition that a memorial to Congress upon the 
subject of slavery in the District of Columbia, be prepared for general circu- 
lation. Committee to examine the laws relative to the people of colour and 
propose amendment?. Congress memoralized upon the subject of the fugitive 
law. Death of Dr. Caspar Wistar, President of the Society. Resolution 
adopted on the occasion. William Rav?Ie, Esq., elected in his place. Address 
to the Convention. Notice of the "American Colonization Society," recently 
organized. Very interesting memorial to Congress in relation to the sale of 
people of colour, under the act of Congress prohibiting the slave-trade. Me- 
morial to the Legislature of Pennsylvania pointing out the insufficiency of 
the laws for the protection of human liberty. Law subsequently passed more 
eflfectually to prevent kidnapping. Missouri question. Measures taken by the 
Society to obtain for the coloured people the right they are entitled to by the 
law, providing for the schooling of poor children. 1820. Public meeting 
held ni the Session Room of the Presbyterian Church. Discourse upon the 
peculiar aspect of aiiairs in relation to slavery, by D. P, Brown, Esq. Me- 
morial to the Legislature of Pennsylvania for the immediate and total aboli- 
tion of slavery in this State. - .... 65 
CHAPTER XII. — 1821. Enquiry as to what measures can be taken to prevent 
further introduction of slaves into Florida. Committee to visit the coloured 
churches and to address them on subjects tending to their welfare and 
improvement. 1823. A communication from the State of Maryland to the 
Legislature of Pennsylvania, in relation to the difficulty of their recovernig 
fugitive' slaves. Measures of the Society upon the subject. Lengthy memo- 
rial to the Legislature, containing statement of interesting facts, . 72 
CHAPTER XIII.— 1823. Law of South Carolina, affecting the rights of free 
people of colour entering the port of Charleston. Memorial to the Legislatue 
of Pennsylvania upon ihe subject. Subject adverted to in the address to the 
American Convention. Notice of an attempt of the slaveholders to induce 
the free States of Illinois and Indiana to change their Constitutions so as to 
admit slavery. Letter received from the Abolition Society of Kentucky ; 
answer thereto. . . . ; . . . 76 
CHAPTER XIV. — The Society again memorialise Congress upon the subject 
of slavery in the District of Columbia. Invitation from Boyer, President of 
Hayti, to induce emigration of people of colour to that island. Report of a 
Committee in relation thereto. 1825. Address of the Society to the American 
Convention. Interesting item of history touching the abolition of slavery 
by the Colombian Government. First "periodical" devoted to the cause of 
emancipation. Notice of E. Lundy. Specious title of a bill before the 
Legislature of Pennsylvania; opposed by the Society. Communication from 
President Rawle, on the subject of the domestic slave-trade. "A bill relative to 
the sale of fugitivesj^from labour." Memorial upon the subject. 1827. Commit- 
tee to consider the propriety of taking a census of the coloured people ; their 
report. 1828. American Convention meet in Baltimoie. Routine of the 
business. 1829. Convention meet in Washington, D. C. . 80 
CHAPTER XV. — 1830. A period of half a century after the passage of the 
abolition law. Observations upon the subject. Memorial to the Legislature. 
Supplement to " the law for suppressing of kidnapping," &c. Committee 
appointed to attend the Legislature with a memoiial against the passage of 
a law injurious to the rights of coloured people, 1832. Attempts to have 
public lectures delivered upon the subject of slavery. 1833. Dr. Edwin P. 
Atlee delivers an oration of that kind on the 4th of July. Death of the cele- 
brated philanthropist W. Wilberforce. Eulogium delivered at the request of 



the Society, by D. P. Brown. Letter from the New Haven Anti-Sfavery 
yociety ; interesting answer to that communication. 1835. Memorial to 
Con"Tess for the abolition of slavery in the District of Columbia. 1826. 
Death of Wm. Kawle, Esq., President of the Society. Eulogium delivered 
by D. P. Brown, Esq. Thomas Shipley elected President. Office again 
rendered vacant liy death. Dr. Edwin P. Atlee appointed to prepare a dis- 
course upon the life of T. Shipley. Dies be&re fulfilling the request of the 
Society. Isaac Parrish appointed to prepare and read a suitable memoir 
upon both. Extracts from that discourse. Dr. Joseph Parrish elected 
President. . . ..... 88 

€HAPTER XVI. — 1836. Vote of thanks to J. Q. Adams'and others, for oppos- 
ing the adoption of the 21st rule, in Congress. Memorial to the Legislature 
for trial by jury of persons arrested as slaves. 1837. Committee appointed 
to visit the families of the coloured people, and to take a census of their num- 
bers, &c. Extracts from the printed reports of the Committee ; published by 
order of the Society. Special meeting of the American Convention ; con- 
vened in Philadelphia. Adjourns sine die. Report of a Committee to attend 
to the interests of the coloured people before the Convention to altar the 
Constitution of the State. . • • • .93 

CHAPTER XVII. — Death of Dr. Joseph Parrish. Resolutions on the occa- 
sion. Extract from memoirs of his life and character, by E. Hopper and Dr. 
Wood. Election of E. Needles as President. Opprobrious charge of Gen. 
Gaines. 1841. Committee to confer with the managers of the House of 
Refu-^e. 1842. Memorial to Congress against the adhiission of Texas into 
the Union. Report of Committee of enquiry touching the depressed state of 
the Society. Public meeting held. . • ... 98 

CHAPTER XVIII.— Measures to promote the general purposes of the Society. 
Memorials to Congress and State Legislature. Infant school for coloured 
children. Report of the Board of Education. 1844. Death of Peter S. 
Duponceau. Resolution in relation to that event. Memorial to Congress 
remonstrating against the admission of Texas into the Union. 1845. Pro- 
ceedings of the Society in relation to the House of Refuse. Managers about 
to proceed to erect a building for use of coloured children. 1846. Memorial 
to the Legislature on behalf of the coloured people. Assisted by the Friends. 
Complete success of their united exertions. . . . 104 

CHAPTER XIX.— Rise and progress of the Society reviewed. . 108 



HISTORICAL MEMOIR. 



CHAPTER I. 

The pages of history, from the earliest period of time, present 
a sorrowful picture of the depravity of human nature. In the 
holy and peaceful vale of Eden, wherein our primeval parents 
are represented to have been first located by the Creator of the 
world, a state of probation seems to have been allotted, and 
the choice of good or evil set before them. The unalterable 
fiat of Omnipotence was fully made known, and the perfect 
law of liberty revealed unto man. Obedience to the Divine 
command was the condition on Avhich his state of peace, 
tranquillity and true happiness was made to depend ; whereas, 
on the other hand, he was fully assured' that disobedience 
would bring death to all these sources of pure enjoyment ; the 
evil passions of his animal nature would obtain the ascen- 
dency, and wo and misery be the inevitable consequence. 
The alternative was a fearful one — yet man in the exercise 
of his own free will chose to act contrary to the com- 
mands of his Creator, and in so doing incurred all the heavy 
responsibility of wilful disobedience. The dire effects ot 
this were soon visible amongst his posterity ; one of whom, 
in the like self-willed disposition as had been evinced by his 
sire, carried away by the evil passions of his nature, soon 
found occasion of quarrel with his weak and defenceless bro- 
ther, and with rage and malice in his heart, wreaked his ven- 
geance upon him by taking his life. This was the first scene 
of war and bloodshed recorded in history. 

As like causes produce like eflfects, the refractory will of 

2 



10 

man continues to generate the same evil dispositions of envy 
and hatred towards his fellow creatures, and war and bloodshed 
have, from the first ages of the world, devastated the fairest 
portions of the habitable globe. Hence, also, has resulted 
slavery ; whichj amongst all nations, and in all ages, has been 
a certain concomitant of war. In former times, the destruction 
of human life in the battles of the w^arrior, w^as terrible ; quar- 
ter was seldom given, and of the defeated party, all that could 
be overtaken were put to the sword — men, women and chil- 
dren often suffered alike, whether in the army or the field. 
When the battle was over, and the indiscriminate waste 
of life was stayed, the survivors of these sanguinary combats 
were not, as in the present age, made prisoners of war, to be 
released on certain conditions, and restored to their families 
and friends, but were carried away captives into the enemy's 
country ; in other words, they were made slaves, subject to the 
uncontrolled domination of their captors, and liable to be 
bought and sold in the market as any other merchandize. 

Such it is alleged was the condition of the unfortunate 
natives of Africa who were first introduced into this country — 
they were already slaves, and only brought here to replace the 
equally unfortunate natives of South America, who, unable to 
endure the miseries of abject servitude into which they had 
been reduced by their inhuman conquerors, were so diminished 
in numbers, that their avaricious oppressors were in want of 
labourers to cultivate their fields, or work the mines, from 
which were produced unheard of stores of ill-gotten wealth. 
This w as more particularly the case in South America, which 
having been the first part of the " New World" discovered, 
was also the first into which Negro slavery was introduced by 
the short-sighted, but benevolent priest. Las Casas,* who 

* In the Encyclopedia Americana, article Slavery, page 434, speak- 
ing of this charge against Las Casas, it is said, — "' But this story has 
been contradicted by the Abbe Gregoire, in his ' Apologie de B. de las 
Casas,' in the memoirs of the French Institute, also by the writer of the 
article "Casas," in the '^Biographic Universelle," who, after an examina- 
tion of all the Spanish historians of that period, says "This charge rests 



11 

seeing the miserable condition of the unfortunate Indians, and 
the great waste of life amongst them, in consequence of the 
severity of their labours, in order to relieve them from their 
sufferings, encouraged the importation of a few negroes from 
Africa, who being stronger and more robust than the native 
Indians, were better able to endure hardships. These advan- 
tages, together with the increasing demand for fresh labourers, 
soon led to the introduction of those poor creatures in con- 
siderable numbers. 

Although slaves had been imported into the Havana as early 
as 1510, the trade was not formally established by the King of 
Spain— Charles V.— until 1517. The Portuguese were also 
engaged in the transportation of slaves into the dominions ot 
other nations, and, by some, are allowed to have been the first 
of the Europeans who were guilty of enslaving the poor 
Africans. The trade was recognized by the French under 
Louis XIII., and by the English, under Queen Elizabeth, in 
1562. The first account we have of the introduction of slaves 
into North America, was in the colony of Virginia, which was 
settled by freemen in 1607, although slavery does not appear to 
have been known amongst the planters until 1620, when it is 
stated that a Dutch man-of-war landed twenty negroes for sale. 
From that time, slavery appears to have taken root, and spread 
rapidly, not only in Virginia, but throughout the other colo- 
nies, of Delaware, Maryland, North and South Carolina, &c., 
as they were successively settled. Pennsylvania was settled 
in 1682, and althought the first settlers in that province were 
principally members of the religious Society of Friends, they 
followed the evil example set by the older colonies, and 
slavery became the custom of the country. 

But from the earliest period, after the introduction of slaves 

solely on Herrera, an elegant but inaccurate author." In Prescotf s 
History of Mexico, is a note where this charge is reiterated, but which 
also states " that even if he had advised such a measure, he after- 
wards expressed deep regret and humiliation for such erroneous views, 
and frankly declared • that the same law applies equally to the negro 
as to the Indian.' "' 



12 

into this country, there were not wanting enlightened Chris- 
tians of different denominations, who testified against the 
cruelty and iniquity of holding their fellow beings in slavery. 
The religious Society of Friends — although as has been said, 
contaminated with this all-pervading vice of the community — 
were unquestionably amongst the earliest to discover its incom- 
patibility with that religion which teaches its followers to "do 
unto others, as they would be done unto," and as a body to 
denounce the practice. And as they have, either individu- 
ally or collectively, been identified with almost every move- 
ment tending to the abolition of the slave-trade and of slavery, 
and to the amelioration and improvement of the condition 
of the African race, it seems necessary in reviewing the 
rise and progress of an institution which they were chiefly 
instrumental in establishing, briefly to advert to the operations 
of that body of professing Christians. This is not done, how- 
ever, with any invidious design of lauding them, as the only 
true friends of the coloured man, to the exclusion of others 
who have the merit of participating in that grand work 
of philanthropy, — the abolition of slavery. On the con- 
trary, it will be seen that although the Friends at first 
laboured principally amongst their own members, (over whom 
they held the scriptural authority of Church discipline) to 
induce them to liberate their slaves, they were actively en- 
gaged in pleading the cause of the oppressed, with slave- 
holders of other religious denominations ; many of whom they 
succeeded in convincing of the iniquity of holding mankind as 
slaves. Neither were they backward in uniting with others, 
in carrying on still further the noble enterprise they had began 
and so nearly achieved, within the pale of their own religious 
society. 

The work of reformation acting on a large scale, is an in- 
structive lesson to contemplate. When a nation has for a 
long period been subject to the exercise of despotic power, 
and sunk in ignorance and vice, a corresponding term seems 
necessary for the people, even under a milder government, to 
become fitted for the enjoyment of the priviliges to which 



13 

they aspire. So when custom has long sanctioned an} 
flagrant and palpable error, which becomes embodied in 
wdiat we call " public opinion," many years frequently 
elapse before the bad effects of the evil to which the people 
had been addicted, can be entirely dissipated. So it was 
with " Friends" in their progress from the holding of slaves 
to the full display of their testimony against members of the 
Society being in any wise concerned in slaveholding. We 
see that their first official act was merely a minute of ad- 
vice, sent by the Yearly Meeting in 1696, cautioning Friends 
against encouraging the bringing in any more negroes, and to 
be careful of such as they already had, in relation to their 
religious and moral training. In 1743 an annual Query was 
instituted, which was improved upon in 1755, enquiring 
whether their members were clear of importing or buying 
slaves. In 1758, those who persisted in disobeying the advice 
of the Yearly Meeting upon this subject, were not allowed to 
sit in Meetings of Discipline, or to be employed in the affairs 
of the Society — and no contributions were to be received from 
them towards the relief of the poor, or for other services ol 
the Society. In 1776, all who continued to hold slaves ovei 
lawful age, were to be dealt with and disowned. And yet, it 
was not until 1781, that the records show the Society to have 
become entirely clear of holding slaves. 

As an effect of these operations of the Society, together with 
the public and private labours of individuals, all their own slaves 
were liberated, and great numbers of their fellow citizens ol' 
other religious societies, were conviiiced of the justice and 
policy of emancipation, many of whom united heartily Avith 
Friends in carrying on and spreading far and wide the benevo- 
lent work. Hundreds and thousands of the lately enthralled of 
the African race, were thus added to the class of freemen, re- 
joicing in the civil and religious liberty for which they were 
originally designed by their beneficent Creator to enjoy. 
These newly emancipated slaves were objects of hatred and 
envy to a certain class of the community, who, prompted by 



14 

avarice, clandestinely seized these poor creatures, and re- 
duced them again into slavery. Kidnapping of free negroes 
became frequent, and slaves who had been manumitted to 
be free at a subsequent period, were often surreptitiously 
deprived of their just rights, and detained in bondage. In 
such cases, ignorance or inability to prosecute their claim 
to freedom, unable to plead for themselves, and, perhaps, 
none to plead for them, their chance for redress v/as very 
uncertain. Funds also were requisite, of which they were 
destitute; legal characters in general were not over forward 
in pleading for them before magistrates. " They were only 
negroes'' — poor and despised — their cause unpopular, and 
nothing to be gained by advocating their rights, but the ill- 
will and malice of their surrounding enemies. 

Such were the difficulties which surrounded these unfortunate 
sons of Africa, on their first entrance upon the rights and privi- 
leges of freedom ; which, however justly and legally entitled 
to, they seemed doomed to hold by a precarious tenure. 
Many were the pretexts set up by avaricious and unprin- 
cipled persons, to the labour and service of coloured people 
who had been emancipated from slavery. So numerous had 
such cases become, that many benevolent individuals whose 
sense of justice prompted them to interfere, found the labour 
too onerous to be borne. This led to the formation of the first 
association of philanthropists on behalf of the coloured people ; 
a number of such characters combined together to support 
each other, and to divide the labour of defending those who 
were either kidnapped or otherwise deprived of their liberty. 



CHAPTER II. 

The first notice w^e find upon record of associated action, 
was a meeting of a few individuals at the Sun Tavern, in 
Second street, in Philadelphia, April 14, 1775, at which 



15 

• 

time they adopted a Constitution, the Preamble of which sets 

forth the objects for which the Society was formed; to wit: 

" Whereas, there are in this and the neighbouring states a 
number of negroes and others kept in a state of slavery, who, 
we apprehend, from different causes and circumstances, are 
justly entitled to their freedom by the laws and Constitution 
under which we live, could their particular cases be candidly 
and openly debated, and evidence to the best advantage for 
them produced; but as in their situation, they being tied by 
the strong cords of oppression, are rendered incapable of 
asserting their freedom, and many through this inability remain 
unjustly in bondage during life; — it therefore has appeared 
necessary that some aid should be extended towards such 
poor unhappy sufferers, wherever they may be discovered, 
either in this city or its neighbourhood; and as loosing the 
bonds of vv'ickedness, and setting the oppressed free, is evi- 
dently a duty incumbent on all the professors of Christianity, 
but more especially at a time when justice, liberty, and the 
laws of the land are the general topics, among most ranks and 
stations of men. 

" Therefore being desirous as much as in us lies to contri- 
bute towards obtaining relief for all such as are kept thus 
unjustly in thraldom, we have agreed to inspect and take 
charge of all the particular cases which may hereafter come to 
our knowledge; and that our good intentions may operate 
the more successfully, and be of general utility to such as 
stand in need of our assistance, have judged it expedient to 
form ourselves into» a regular society, by the name of " The V, 

Society for the Relief of Free Negroes, unlawfully held in 
Bondage." 

The Society proceeded to the election of officers, and chose 
John Baldwin, President; Samuel Davis, Treasurer; and 
Thomas Harrison, Secretary. They also appointed at the first 
meeting a Standing Committee of Inspection, consisting of 
six members, who had forthwith a number of cases committed 
to their care. Their Reports from time to time manifest a 
lively interest in the concern, and a good degree of success 



16 
i 



n rescuing many of the unfortunate objects of their care from 
the avaricious grasp of their claimants. 

The Society met four times in the course of the year, the last of 
which meetings was held in the 11th month, 1775. After trans- 
acting the usual business, they adjourned to meet at the same 
]dace in the 2d month of the following year, 1776. About 
that time, however, the difficulties between this country and 
(jreat Britain, which preceded the Revolution, had resulted 
in the war, in consequence of which no further meetings of 
the Society took place until it w^as over. The next meeting 
occurred in the 2d month, 1784. The opening minute ex- 
plains the occasion of the interregnum, by stating, " The 
national commotions that have prevailed for several years, 
are the only reasons why the company have not met according 
to the rules."* 

Although, as has been slated, the meetings of the Society 
were suspended for several years during the war, we have 

♦Perhaps a more explicit reason for this suspension of the public 
labours of the Society, may be derived from the fact, that the members 
ot that little association were also mostly, or perhaps all of them, mem- 
bers of the religious Society of Friends, who, from their peculiar tenets, 
particularly their testimony against War, could net participate in the 
forcible opposition of their fellow-citizens to the Government of Eng- 
land, under which they were then living; on which account they were, 
in many instances, closely tried with persecution, and much individual 
suffering was endured. A number of very valuable Friends, who were 
amongst the most respectable and influential members of the community, 
were suddenly arrested, and without being permitted to see their wives 
or families, or make any preparation for leaving their business, banished 
from the city, and carried away into the interior of Virginia, where they 
were confined for some lime— and one or more died there. On account 
oi the obloquy thus east upon them. Friends were necessarily obliged to 
avoid as much as possible mi.xing in public alfairs. This may also 
!>erve to account for their not appearing to have been ostensibly engaged 
in promoting the passage of the Act of Assembly, for the gradual aboli- 
tion of slavery in this State, which took place in 1780, at which time 
their enemies were numerous, and many of them slaveholders; who 
hated the Quakers because tliev were abolitionists. 



17 



reason to believe, (although there is no recorded testimony of 
their proceedings,) that the Society by its influential members 
was very active, not only in accordance with the Constitution, 
which specified the objects of the association to be the pro- 
tection of free negroes against the illegal claims that were 
set up against them, but also in promoting the gradual aboli- 
tion of slavery and the slave trade. 

It may be proper here to take a brief notice of some of the 
distinguished individuals whose early labours on behalf of the 
enslaved Africans, entitle them to a place in any history relating 
to the abolition of slavery. 

Clarkson, in his history of the abolition of the slave trade, 
says, whilst the Quakers were making exertions at their 
Yearly Meetings in America, as a religious body, to get rid of 
both the commerce and slavery of their fellow creatures, 
others of the same profession were acting as individuals, 
independently of any influence from their religious communion, 
in the same cause. Some of these he briefly notices. The 
first mentioned is without date, Wm. Burling, of Long Island. 
He bore a faithful testimony against slavery at their Yearly 
Meetincr, and continued annually to raise his voice against it. 
He next speaks of Ralph Sandiford, as very earnest in en- 
deavouring to prevail upon his friends, both in and out of the 
Society, to liberate their slaves. In 1729 he published a 
work called " the Mystery of Iniquity," which T. C. says 
was a valuable appeal on behalf of the African cause. " The 
next public advocate was Benjamin Lay. In 1737 he pub- 
lished a treatise on slave-keeping, which he gave away, 
particularly among young people. He had lived in the Island 
of Barbadoes, and witnessed there scenes of cruelty towards 
the slaves, which had greatly disturbed his mind, and un- 
hinged it, as it were, whenever the subject of their sufferings 
was brought before him." 

In 1746 a distinguished advocate for the slave, appeared in 
the person of John Woolman, who published a treatise on 
slavery in 1750. He travelled extensively in the Slave States, 
as a Minister of the Gospel, in the course of which he con- 



18 

versed a great deal with Friends and those of other Societies, 
bearing a faithful testimony against the wickedness and im- 
policy of slaveholding." 

About the same time, the celebrated philanthropist, Anthony 
Benezet, is said to have " begun to be deeply affected with 
the iniquity of the slave trade, the unlawfulness of carrying 
negroes into captivity, and the cruelty which was exercised 
by those who purchased and employed them. The impulse of 
duty, then for the first time brought him from the retirement of 
private ]ife before the world, to lift up his voice in behalf of 
an oppressed and wretched portion of his fellow beings." — 
" He commenced his benevolent labours for the blacks (as his 
worthy biographer, Roberts Vaux, says) by adopting the most 
rational course which could have been devised for their benefit, 
the establishment of an evening school, which he taught gra- 
tuitously himself. In this charitable work, he was successful 
beyond his own expectations, for the proficiency of his pupils 
in the rudiments of learning, added to the moral and religious ad- 
vancement of many of them under his pious care, powerfully 
contributed to recommend the race to the notice, and the cause 
of their sufferings to the investigation of many persons of in- 
fluence, who had previously held both in contempt. Havino- 
thus awakened observation and reflection in Philadelphia, and 
in some measure removed the unjustifiable prejudice against 
the negroes, he was prepared to make an appeal in their 
behalf to the justice and clemency of communities and nations. 
His first attempts to enlighten the public mind, were made by 
composing and circulating through the medium of Almanacks 
and the public papers, detached pieces concerning the unlaw- 
fulness of slavery," &c. ; after which he wrote and published 
several essays on the slave trade. One of which, entitled, 
"An Historical Account of Guinea," &c., accidentally falling 
into the hands of Thomas Clarkson, was the means of giving 
an impulse to the mind of that indefatigable and benevolent 
individual, whose exertions subsequently contributed so much 
towards bringing about the abolition of the slave trade by the 
British Parliament ; simultaneously with which event, the 



19 

American Congress interdicted the trade, declaring it to be 
piracy to be anywise concerned therein. 

Lee's History of the Methodists, states as follows, to wit: 
1784. Dr. Cook and Bishop Asbury presiding. Rules 
were adopted respecting slavery. " Every member in our 
Society who has slaves in those States where the law will 
admit of freeing them, shall, after notice given him by the 
preacher, set them free, within twelve months (except in 
Virginia, and there within two years") at specified periods ac- 
cording to age. " Every person concerned, who will not 
comply with these rules, shall have liberty to withdraw within 
twelve months after the notice given ;" " otherwise, to be ex- 
cluded." And " no person holding slaves, shall in future be 
admitted into the Society until he previously comply with 
these rules respecting slavery." 

These, it is to be presumed, are the Rules which were so 
severely attacked at a subsequent conference held in Virginia, 
and which w^ere upheld, for a time only, by the firmness of Dr. 
Coke. But which w^ere finally suspended at the next con- 
ference. Dr. Coke was ordained by John Wesley, as the first 
Bishop or Superintendant of the Methodist Episcopal Church 
in America. He was a very decided and zealous advocate for 
the rights of the slave, and his biography, particularly that 
part which relates to this subject, is very interesting. In one 
place it states, " when this obnoxious subject was omitted, he 
was caressed, and received with all the veneration and respect 
which a delegate from Heaven could claim ; but on other oc- 
casions when this fatal chord was touched, it instantly vibrated 
discord through the congregation, and applause gave place to 
execrations. In some places the members of the Society were 
disgusted, and many withdrew." While he was preaching in a 
barn in Virginia, on Sunday, the subject was introduced ; much 
provocation was felt by some of the congregation, who with- 
drew and prepared to offer him personal violence, stimulated 
by a fashionable lady, who offered the mob fifty pounds, in 
case they would seize the preacher and give him one hundred 
lashes. On leaving the house, he was instantly surrounded by 



24 

a ferocious party, who were proceeding to put their threats 
into execution, but he was rescued by a Magistrate, and 
escaped in safety. 



CHAPTER HI. 

The zeal and energy with which Friends advocated the 
cause of the oppressed Africans, aroused the convictions of 
others out of the limits of their Society, and emancipations 
greatly increased. The number of free blacks liable to be 
kidnapped, or otherwise deprived of their newly acquired 
liberty, gave occasion, as has been before stated, for the first 
organization of a society for the protection of their rights. 
Notwithstanding the obloquy thrown first upon the Society by 
their enemies, circumstances were then transpiring in the politi- 
cal arena of this country, the occurrence of which tended rapidly 
to change public opinion in their favour. The principles of 
civil liberty were at that time engaging general attention; 
and the discussion of the rights of man paved the way for more 
liberal views in relation to the blacks. The people who were 
so tenacious of their own rights, as to refuse submission to a 
law imposing a light tax upon them, because they had no 
voice in the Parliament by which it had been enacted, were 
easily convinced of the still greater wrong done to the poor 
African, by taxing him to the whole amount of his earnings, 
without any compensation; and with the addition of severe 
personal injuries at the will of his master : all of which were 
to be entailed upon his posterity in perpetuity, without 
being allowed even the privilege of murmur or remonstrance. 
Intelligent and sensible men could not fail at that time to see 
the gross inconsistency of such a state of things, not only with 
Christianity, but with the plainest principles of civil liberty. 
Many of the brilliant characters who subsequently were con- 



21 

cerned in the achievement of the Independence of the Thirteen 
United States of America, became decided and zealous advo- 
cates of the equal rights of all men (whether white or black) 
to the unrestrained enjoyment of life, liberty, and the pursuit 
of happiness. 

Such were the characters upon whom the influential Friends, 
who formed the original " Society for the Protection of Free 
Blacks," had to operate, during the interregnum in their asso- 
ciated action, in the time of the revolutionary war. Although 
we have not been able to find any thing upon record, to show 
how the labours of Friends and their co-labourers of other 
denominations were directed for promoting the objects of their 
association, during that time, we are not therefore to concludti 
that they were idle. Events of great moment never occur 
without the intervention of adequate means ; and as we have 
seen the progress made by Friends in clearing their own 
religious society of slavery, and in convincing many others 
of the sinfulness of slaveholding, it is reasonable to conclude 
that the members of that Society were the chief instigators of 
those measures which led to the passage of a law of this com- 
monwealth, providing for the gradual abolition of slavery.* 
As the proceedings of the Legislature on that memorable occa- 
sion cannot fail to be interesting, we have made copious 
extracts from the minutes of the Assembly, from the first 
introduction of the bill to its final enactment into a law, 
together with the yeas and nays taken on its second and third 
reading. To wit : 

JYov. 3, 1779. — On motion made and seconded. Resolved, 
that a bill be brought in for the gradual abolition of slavery. 
George Bryan, Joseph McClean, and David Thomas were 
appointed a Committee for that purpose. 

* In the Memoirs of the Life of A. Benezet, published by R. Vaux, it 
is stated that '-during the sitting of the Legislature in 1780, he had 
private interviews on the subject (of slavery) with every member of the 
government, and no dcubt thus essentially contributed to the adoption of 
that celebrated measure."' 



22 



J^ov. 8. — The committee brought in a bill, which was or- 
dered to lay on the table. 

JSTov. 17. — The bill entitled, an Act for the gradual abolition 
of slavery, was read, debated, and postponed for further con- 
sideration. 

A''ov. 18. — The bill was read again, and after being de- 
bated by paragraphs, w'as ordered to be transcribed for third 
reading, and in the meantime, to be published for considera- 
tion. 

On the question, whether the bill last mentioned, shall be 
transcribed and published, the yeas and nays were called, and 
by order taken as follows : 



YEAS. 
George Bryan, Arthur Walts, 

William Hollingshead, Joseph Savage, 



Jacob Schriener, 
Michael Shubart. 
Charles W. Peale, 
Kobert Knox, 
Joseph McClean, 
Edward Heston, 
William Coats, 
Joseph Blewer, 
Gerardus Wynkoop, 
Benjamin Fell, 
William Scott, 



David Thomas, 
Henry Hays, 
John Fulton, 
William Harris, 
Sketchly Morton, 
John Smiley, 
John Gillcreest, 
William Brownsen, 
David Dunwoody, 
Matthew Dill, 
John Orr, 

Isaac Mason. 



Jonathan Hoge. 
Abraham Smith, 
Samuel Culbertson, 
John Harris. 
Frederick Watt, 
Ephraim Steele, 
Jonathan Jones, 
Peter Rhoads, 
John Ralston, 
John Burd, 
Joseph Powel, 
Samuel Dale, 
John Procter, 



Samuel Mechlin, 
Patrick Anderson, 
Joseph Parke, 
James Anderson, 
Christopher Kucker, 
James Cunningham, 

Feb. 15, 1780*.- 



NAYS. 

Emanuel Carpenter. 
William Porter, 
James Jacks, 
William Brown, jr. 
John Whilehill, 
James Dickson. 



David Kennedy. 
Gabriel Heester, 
Christian Lower, 
Christopher Wagner, 
Simon Dresbach. 
William Montgomery. 

Agreeably to the order of the day pre- 

Four several petitions signed by divers inhabitants, freemen of this 
commonwealth, were presented, expressing approbation of the bill for 
tlie gradual abolition of slavery, and praying the same may be passed 
into a law. Three petitions were also ^iresented in opposition, one of 
which, signed by some of the citizens of Lancaster, was dismissed 
on account of its indecency. 



23 

viously agreed upon, the House went into the third reading of 
the bill, entitled an "' Act for the gradual abolition of slavery," 
and the same being again debated by paragraphs, was 
ordered to be engrossed, and on the first of March, being 
again taken up and compared at the table, was enacted into a 
law, and the Speaker directed to sign it. The yeas and nays 
on its final passage being required, were ordered, and taken 
as follows, to wit : 

YEAS. 



George Bryan, 
William Hollingshead, 
Jacob Schriener, 
Michael Shabart, 
Charles W. Peale, 
Robert Knox, 
Joseph McClean, 
Edward Heston, 
William Coats, 
Gerardus Wynkoop, 
Benjamin Fell, 



Daniel Heester, 
Samuel Mechlin, 
Joseph Blewer, 
James Boyd, 
Patrick Anderson, 
James Anderson, 
Christopher Kucker, 



William Scott, 
Joseph Savage, 
David Thomas, 
Henry Hayes, 
John Fulton, 
John Smilie, 
John GiUcreest, 
William Brown, sen., 
David Dun woody, 
Matthew Dill, 
John Orr, 
William Montgomery 

NAYS. 

James Cunningham, 
William Porter, 
William Brown, jr., 
John WhitehiU, 
James Dickson, 
David Kennedy, 
Valentine Eckert, 



Jonathan Hoge, 
Abraham Smith, 
John Harris, 
Frederick Watts, 
Ephraim Steel, 
Jonathan Jones, 
Peter Rhoads, 
John Ralston, 
John Burd, 
Joseph Powel, 
Samuel Dale, 



Christian Lower, 
Christopher Wagner, 
John Van Carapen, 
Simon Dresbach, 
Robert Martin, 
John Procter, 
Isaac Procter. 



Thus was accomplished by a large majority, one of the most 
important acts of legislation ever enacted in this common- 
wealth, or perhaps in any other. One which for justice, 
humanity, and philanthropy, has seldom been equalled, and 
which raised the State of Pennsylvania to a high position 
amongst the nations of the earth. 

Those who voted in the negative, on the final passage of the 
bill, entered their protest against the law. And as it exhibits 
the train of reasoning amongst the slaveholders, and pro- 



\ 



24 

slavery men of that day, and shows conclusively the ideas enter- 
tained, even by the enemies of the coloured people, of the 
rights and privileges of citizenship, which the law would con- 
fer upon them, we quote the protest as recorded on the 
minutes of the Assembly; to wit: 

" 1st. Because, although we are the Representatives of 
a free State, and accountable to no other for our proceedings, 
as far as regards our internal police ; yet as we are confede- 
rated w-ith other States, for our common exertion and defence, 
we are of opinion, that in adopting a measure to which some 
of them cannot in their present invaded condition (with its 
attendant calamities) conform, we should be highly censur- 
able, as rpgardlcss of the safety of our neighbours, even sup- 
posing that it could not injure ourselves ; but when we con- 
fsider, that the pernicious consequences which such a measure 
may draw on any State or States in the Union, tend to weaken 
that body, of which this State is a member, and indirectly to 
involve this State in difficulties which we think w^e should 
have to answer for to our constituents ; we must consider it as a 
step imprudent, premature, and for which we have no instruc- 
t ions from them. 

" 2c?. Because, notwithstanding, we approve and are sensible 
of the humanity and justice of manumitting slaves in time of 
peace; we cannot think this the proper time,* since the seat of 
war is likely to be transferred to the southward ; and to all 
appearance, the force of that country may be called out, when 
the white inhabitants will be obliged to leave their families, 
and all that is near and dear to them, at the mercy of a supe- 
rior force of slaves, which may, from the sound of freedom 
that may go forth from this law, (perhaps unattended with 
every circumstance) lead the negroes of these States to a de- 
mand of an immediate and entire freedom, or to other disorders, 
that may end in the greatest cruelties, M'hich an ignorant, and 
perhaps desperate people, stimulated by the enemies of their 
masters, can be capable of committing. 

* It is hard for the oppressor to find the *'• proper lime''" for liheratinn; 
the slave. 



25 

" 3d. Because, if the time were come when slaves might be 
safely emancipated, we could not agree to their being made 
free citizens in so extensive a manner as this law proposes ; 
we think they would have been well satisfied, and the Legisla- 
ture would have sufficiently answered their humane purposes, 
had these unhappy people been enabled to enjoy the fruits of 
their labour, and have been protected in their lives and pro- 
perty, in the manner white persons are, without giving them 
the right of voting for, and being voted into offices, inter-mar- 
ryino- with white persons, confronting them with their masters, 
and being witnesses in every respect during the limited time of 
their servitude, which we fear in some instances may ruin 
families. We think that future Legislatures, might have 
added to their privileges in proportion as they would have 
found them more civilized and better qualified to receive them, 
with much more propriety, than they could abridge them 
should they be found too extensive after being fixed by a fun- 
damental law. 

4th. Because, the motion for postponing the comparing of 
this bill till the next session of Assembly, and a motion for 
the previousquestion on the passing of this Bill, were over- 
ruled ; as both these motions were only intended to gain more 
time for knowing the sentiments of our constituents, and to 
know whether a change of circumstances might not then 
enable us to vote for the bill. 

Samuel Culbeitson, Robert Martin, Joseph Blewer, 

James Dickson, James Cunningham, Daniel lieester. jr., 

John Van Campen, John VVliitehill, James Anderson, 

Christopher Kucker, Valentine Eckerl, Christian Lower, 

William Brown, jr. Samuel Mechlin. Christopher Wagner, 

James Boyd, David Kennedy, William Porter, 

Joseph Park, John Procter, James Jack, 

Patrick Anderson, Isaac Meason. 



26 



CHAPTER IV. 

As has been previously stated, " the Society for the protec- 
tion of the free blacks" was not convened again until the war 
was over and peace fully established. The first minutes 
(before quoted) are dated in the Second month, 1784. After 
some preliminaries for resuscitating the Society, they ad- 
journed to meet again at Friends' committee room on Fourth 
street below Chestnut. 

Fourth month, 1784*. — A new election took place, and 
Thomas Meredith was chosen President, John Todd, Secre- 
tary, and James Starr, Treasurer. A new appointment was 
also made of a standing committee, who were desired to take 
" the Book of Articles" and to have them signed by those who 
were absent, Thomas Meredith subsequently resigned as a 
member, and Samuel Richards being proposed in the Fifth 
month, was ballotted for and duly elected the second Presi- 
dent. 

It appears that a practice at that time prevailed of binding 
free negroes in their minority to the age of 28 years, which 
the Society considered illegal ; a special appointment of three 
members was made to unite with the Standing Committee, to 
enquire respecting the Premise, and take such Council therein 
as should be found expedient. 

Fifth month, 1785. The annual election for officers, &,c. 
occurred. 

James Whiteall was chosen President ; John Todd, Secre- 
tary ; James Starr, Treasurer. 

*Present at this meeting T. Harrison, Jas. Starr, Win. Lippincott, Jno. 
Thomas. Benj. Horner, Saml. Richards, Jno. Evans, Lambert Wilmore, 
Jno. Todd, Jas. \\'hitoall, Edw. Brooks, Thos. Armit, Jno. Warner, Danl. 
SidMck. Thos. Barton, Robt. Evans, Benj. Miers, Thos. Meredith, Robt. 
Wood, John Eldridse. 



27 

The minutes show that a great many cases constantly en- 
gaged the attention of the Society, and the Standing Com- 
mittee had much need of legal advice, which was generously 
given whenever needed. 

Fifth mo. 1786, Jonathan Penrose was elected President ; 
Thomas Harrison, Secretary ; James Starr, Treasurer. 

The following paragraph appears on the minutes, to wit : 

" The Society remembering the many instances in which 
William Lewis, Attorney at Law, had generously rendered 
assistance to the Society since its establishment, and being dis- 
posed to acknowledge their gratitude, therefore agreed to have 
a piece of plate prepared, with a motto placed thereon 
descriptive of the intentions of the Society." A Committee* 
was appointed to have it prepared, and when completed to 
present it to him. 

The Committee procured a three pint silver can, with an 
appropriate motto, (of which, however, there is no copy) 
and presented it to William Lewis, which he accepted as 
a mark of respect from the Society, but not as a gratuity for 
services rendered, (or w^hich he declared his determination 
never to receive a pecuniary reward. 

The minutes state, " That great inconvenience hath arisen 
to negroes bound by Lidentures and assignable, in that they 
are often transferred out of the Government, (State,) by which 
means they lose the benefit of the law." The subject was 
referred to the Standing Committee. 

During this and the preceding year, several prominent 
Friends, and some of other Societies, were elected members ; 
only two of whom are living at this time (1845.) 

The Society appears to have been for several years gaining 
in public estimation. In addition to the many valuable 
Friends, who had been long actively engaged in its arduous 
concerns, we find a considerable number of others, desirous of 
being enrolled amongst the Abolitionisis, a term of reproach 

* Francis Bailv; Jon. Penrose, Noriis Jones^ and Thomas Harrison. 



28 

amongst the slaveholders, but deemed honourable and worthy 
of being sought alter by the greatest and most dignified 
characters in this community. In proof of which we find upon 
the minutes of the 2d, 3d and 4th months of this year, an 
array of 36 names of candidates for election. 

1787. At the meeting of the Society, in 3d mo. a Com- 
mittee* was appointed to revise the Constitution, and make 
such alterations, additions and amendments as they should find 
necessary. In the 4th mo. they reported a draught — which 
was read and approved. " On motion, it was Resolved : 
That the first business of the next meeting shall be the ballot- 
ing for the persons on the minutes as candidates, and then to 
proceed to the election of officers, &c., under the new Consti- 
tution." 

At that time the practice prevailed in this city, as it yet 
does in the slaveholding States, of advertising negro slaves 
for sale. The Society taking the odious custom into consider- 
ation, appointed a committee to wait on the printers of the 
different newspapers, and request them to decline the publica- 
tion of such advertisements ; which appears to have been 
complied with, as the practice has long since been generally 
abandoned. 

At the meeting held 4th mo. there were present 45 
members. The Society proceeded to ballot for the candidates 
proposed, and the whole number of 36 were elected. Amongst 
them were some of the most distinguished members of the 
Society of Friends, who, though careful to maintain the doc- 
trines and practices peculiar to their own religious persuasion, 
were not afraid of contamination, by uniting with benevolent 
minded individuals, let their belief as to religion be what it 
might, provided they were willing to assist them in promoting 
the abolition of slavery. 

As proof of -this liberality of sentiment and of practice, we 
find on the list of candidates now elected, the names of a num- 

' John Penrose, Tench Cox^ Wm. Jackson, Dr. Rush and Thomas 
Harrison. 



29 

ber who were not of the Society of Friends, but rather opposed 
to them — some of other religious professions, and some of no 
particular religion — as for instance, Benjamin and Temple 
Franklin, the Rev. John Andrews, Richard Peters, and Tho- 
mas Paine.* These individuals are not mentioned with any 
invidious design, but to show how decidedly catholic the 
genuine spirit of liberty makes men : intolerance of opinion 
vanishes before it. The bigot, like the priest and the Levite 
in the parable of our blessed Lord, may pass by on the other 
side; but the real philanthropist, the good Samaritan, knows 
no distinction of nation, sect or colour. The suffering, the 
dumb, and oppressed, of whatever class, are his brethren; to 
apply relief is his joy, and to assist others in doing good, a 
constant source of happiness. 

The new Constitution was again read over, and explanations 
given as to the objects and purposes of the Society, which 
now assumed the name and title of " The Pennsylvania Society 
for Promoting the Abolition of Slavery, the Relief of Free 
Negroes unlawfully held in Bondage, and for Improving the 
Condition of the African Race;" it was adopted, and the 
following officers were elected, to wit: 

President — Benjamin Franklin. 

Vice Presidents — James Pemberton, Jonathan Penrose. 

Secretaries — Benjamin Rush and Tench Cox. 

Treasurer — James Starr. 

Counsellors — William Lewis, John D. Cox, IVliers Fisher, 
William Rawle. 

The Preamble to the Constitution of the Society, which 

* Perhaps it might be proper to remark, that the latter individual, 
who subsequently acquired an unenviable notoriety as an infidel writer, 
was only known at this time as a patriot and lover of equal rights to all 
men, his peculiar principles in regard to theology not having been pub- 
licly known, as they were subsequently developed during his residence 
in France, where, in the time of the Revolution, he made the public 
avowal of liis sentiments by the publication of his most obnoxious work, 
"The Age of Reason.'"' 



30 

was now adopted, contains such a clear exposition of its funda- 
mental principles, as to be deemed worthy of a place in any 
historical notice of this character. It is as follows; to wit: 

" It having pleased the Creator of the world, to make of one 
flesh all the children of men, it becomes them to consult and 
promote each other's happiness, as members of the same fami- 
ly, however diversified they may be, by colour, situation, 
religion, or different states of society. It is more especially 
the duty of those persons, who profess to maintain for them- 
selves the rights of human nature, and who acknowledge the 
obligations of Christianity, to use such means as are in their 
power, to extend the blessings of freedom to every part of the 
human race ; and in a more particular manner, to such of 
their fellow creatures as are entitled to freedom by the laws 
and constitutions of any of the United States, and who, not- 
withstanding, are detained in bondage, by fraud or violence. — 
From a full conviction of the truth and obligation of these 
principles, — from a desire to diffuse them, wherever the 
miseries and vices o'f slavery exist, and in humble confidence 
of the favour and support of the Father of Mankind, the sub- 
scribers have associated themselves, under the title of the 
'Pennsylvania Society for Promoting the Abolition of 
Slavery, and the Relief of free Negroes unlawfully held in 
Bondage, and for improving the condition of the African 
race.' " 

The Secretaries were directed to have one thousand copies 
of the Constitution printed, together with the names of the 
officers of the Society, and the acts of the Legislature of Penn- 
sylvania for the gradual abolition of slavery. They were also 
to prepare letters to be sent to each of the Governors of the 
United States, with a copy of the Constitution and Laws, and 
a copy of Clarkson's Essay on the Commerce and Slavery of 
the Africans. The Secretaries were also directed to write 
letters to the Society in New York for the relief of free 
negroes, &c. — to Thomas Clarkson and Dr. Price, of London, 
and to the Abbe Raynall, in France. 

A Memorial to the Convention about to assemble in this 



31 

city to alter the Constitution of the United States on the 
subject of the slave trade, was also prepared, and directed to 
be signed by one of the Vice Presidents, and handed to the 
President of this Society, who was a member of the Conven- 
tion, wuth a request that he would present the same. 

A letter from the Committee for abolishing the African 
(slave) trade, recently instituted in London (July 17, 1787), 
signed by Samuel Hoare, Jr., was read to the Society, contain- 
ing the most friendly assurances of respect, and co-operation 
with the Pennsylvania Society ; and requesting a communica- 
tion of such facts as are known in America respecting the 
treatment or manumission of slaves. At this time the Penn- 
sylvania Society had been organized about twelve years ; and 
in their answer to the London Society, in reply to the first 
question, they state: "Respecting the treatment of slaves, 
we can say but little from our own personal observations, 
inasmuch as the progress of truth and humanity has in some 
degree extirpated negro slavery from amongst us; but w^e 
have no doubt of the truth of the numerous histories which 
have been published of the cruel treatment and sufferings of 
slaves in the Southern States and in the West Indies." In 
respect to the conduct of such as have been set free, they 
affirm, that their behaviour in general has been more orderly 
than that of the same class of white people." 

The dignified standing of the Pennsylvania Society at that 
time is further exemplified by the general tone of their com- 
munication to the London Society. They say, " To encourage 
your Society in your present laudable exertions, we beg leave 
to lay before you the following facts relative to the progress 
of the principles of humanity and justice upon the subject of 
the commerce and slavery of negroes in this country. About 
thirty years ago, a few well disposed men published several 
tracts upon this subject. These tracts met with great and 
general opposition. The controversies produced by them con- 
tributed to excite the attention of the public to the claims of 
the Africans, and thereby increase the number of their advo- 
cates in the Middle and Eastern Provinces of America. From 



32 

hence originated the laws in several of them, for imposing 
such duties upon slaves, as amounted to a prohibition of the 
importation of them. From the influence of these publications 
arose also that law in Pennsylvania for the gradual abolition 
of slavery." 

One other paragraph from that interesting letter may be 
quoted, as showing the high aspirations with which they 
viewed the approach of that period when the oppressions of the 
poor slave should cease from the land. 

" We look Ibrw-ard with pleasure to the time, when the 
records of modern times shall be examined with critical exact- 
ness, to know whether the souls and bodies of men were ever 
the objects of commerce. Whether our laws punished the 
stealing of a piece of plate, or a few shillings (worth) with 
death, and at the same time conferred upon the receiver of 
stolen slaves the honours of a nation. And w^hether it w^as 
possible for men to acknowlege the principles of human 
nature, and the obligations of Christianity, and yet inflict 
upon their fellow-creatures the oppressions and punishments 
which are connected with negro slavery in the West Indies 
and the Southern States." 

An account was also forwarded to the London Society of 
tw'o black men, of very remarkable capacities, prepared by 
Dr. B. Rush, Avhich may probably be found amongst his works. 
One of them, named James Derham, was a practitioner of 
medicine, belonging to the Spanish settlement of New Orleans, 
on the Mississippi, a slave, sold from one person to another, 
sometimes employed by medical men in menial services in 
their shops, and faially, under the instructions of one of his 
masters, who was a regular physician, became well qualified 
for practice. He was set free, and attained to considerable 
eminence. The other was a slave, named Thomas Tuller, of 
seventy years of age, living at Alexandria, Va., who possessed 
a remarkable talent for arithmetical calculation. He is a 
native African, and can neither read nor write. He was 
visited by William Hartshorn and Samuel Coates, of this 
city, and gave correct answers to all their questions — such as 



33 

how many seconds there are in a year and a half? In two 
minutes he answered, 47,304,000, How many seconds in 
seventy years, seventeen days, twelve hours ? In one minute 
and a half, 2,110,500,800. He multiplied nine figures by 
nine, &c. &c. 

It is but justice to the memory of those valuable men, 
Benjamin Rush and Tench Cox, to say, that the letter from 
which these extracts have been taken, was prepared by them 
as the acting Secretaries of the Society, the rise and progress 
of which it is the object of this memoir to portray. These 
allusions are made for the satisfaction and encouragement of 
the present race of philanthropists, in order, by the picture 
here exhibited of the success of the cause they love while in 
the hands of their worthy predecessors, to stimulate them to 
more animated and steady exertions to carry it on, until their 
lofty hopes shall be fully realized. 



CHAPTER V. 

It appears that vessels still continued to be fitted out for the 
slave trade as late as 1788. The subject had engaged the at- 
tention of the Society in the preceding year, and a Com- 
mittee* appointed to devise a plan for preventing it. They 
reported " that it would be expedient to apply to the Assembly 
for a supplementary law, for this and other objects that it may bo 
found necessary to recommend to the attention of the legisla- 
ture, more effectually to put a stop to the African slave trade 
being carried on, directly or indirectly, in the State of Penn- 
sylvania. " A petition to the Assembly in accordance with 
this report was prepared, and being approved at a subsequent 

* The CoramiUee were : Dr. B. Hush, Caleb Lownes, James Pember- 
ton, Dr. S. P. Griffiths, John Olden, John Todil, Junr., Tench Cox, Jno. 
Kaighn and Wm. Rogers. 

4 



54 

meeting, a Committee of twenty-four* respectable and influen- 
tial members was appointed to have one hundred copies 
printed for general circulation. About two thousand signa- 
tures were obtained to the petitions, which were presented to 
the Assembly, where they were read and referred to a Special 
Connnittee of the House, who reported at considerable length, 
that the grievances complained of w^ere facts, and a very 
efficient supplement to the law of 1780 was passed. 

About this time news arrived that a number of our 
white fellow citizens had been taken prisoners by the Turkish 
gallies, and sold into captivity under the Algerine govern- 
ment. This affecting intelligence coming under the consider- 
ation of the Society, was deemed a legitimate subject for their 
attention. A committeef was appointed to enquire into the 
facts, who in their Report recommend that measures be im- 
mediately taken to obtain information of the late places of 
abode — the names, numbers and real situation of the American 
citizens, now in captivity in Barbary, and that a subscription, 
under care of the Society, be opened in the several States for 
the purpose of obtaining the funds necessary to administer 
such relief as their situation may require and admit of. 

A correspondence was directed to be opened with two 
societies, w^hich were supposed to have been recently formed 
in the State of Delaware in relation to the slave-trade, 
and to request their co-operation with this Society in persuing 
their common object. 

1788. At a meeting of the Society, Tenth month, informa- 
tion was received from the State of Rhode Island, that, in open 
defiance of the laws of that State, some persons there were fit- 

* The Committee were :— Dr. S. P. GrilTuhs. Dr. Say, T. Parker, 
Ivobort Wain, Sam. Pancoast, Jr., Thoma.s Savory, llobert Taggert, Jno. 
Poultney, Wm. Zane, Joseph Moore, Joseph Budd. Wm. IMcIlhenny, 
Sam. Baker, Caleb Lownes, Jonathan Willis, Richard Jone.<;, Ellis 
Yarnall, Robert Evans, Thomas Harrison, Thomas Arnotl, Philip 
- Benezett, Samuel Emlen, Jr., and Jacob Shoemaker, Jr. 

t Committee : Richard Wells, Francis Baillie, Bart. Wistar, T. Har- 
rison; Dr. S. P. Griffith?, Jno. Olden. and Tench Cox. 



35 

ing out vessels for the slave-trade. Under view of the danger 
of such practices, it was resolved, that Richard Wells and 
others be a commmittee* to address our corresponding mem- 
bers in that State on the subject, and procure their influence 
in opposing the further prosecution of the slave-trade there, 
as well as in other States. 

The ardent zeal and indefatigable perseverance with which 
the Society laboured in the cause, w-as manifested by the lively 
and extensive correspondence kept up with kindred Societies, 
which were now springing up in different parts of America, in 
their addresses to the Governors of difFerents States in the Union, 
and to legislative bodies. Also, to the Societies in England and 
France, to whom they speak of the extent to which the practice 
exists here, of petitioning the several State Legislatures, and of 
remonstrating against the cruelties of the system of slavery 
and the slave-trade, and the obvious benefits resulting there- 
from, as well as from the abundant circulation of essays, 
tracts, and numerous publications and pictorial representa- 
tions, which were constantly issuing from our own, or foreign 
writers, showing the utter inconsistency, injustice and im- 
policy of slavery. They encouraged the Societies addressed 
to persevere in application to governments ; and advised 
them against too sanguine expectations of success on one 
hand, while on the other, they were never to be discouraged or 
cast down by disappointment ; they were urged to extend their 
correspondence in relation to this subject, as far as possible 
amongst European nations who have colonies in which 
negro slaves are employed. 

.-:.17S9. In the Eleventh month a special meeting of the 
Society was C9nvened for the purpose of taking into considera- 
tion the propriety of applying to the Legislature for an Act of 
Incorporation. After due deliberation, it was unanimously 
resolved, that such an application should be made. A com- 
mittee* of twelve, including James Pemberton, one of the 

*R. Wells, Jas. Pemberton, Caleb Lownes, Dr. GrlfRths, John Todd, 
Wm. Rodgers, Francis Bailey, and Dr. B. Rush. 



36 

Vice Presidents, was appointed to present a petition for leave 
to brin<T in a bill for that object; and if allowed, also to pre- 
pare an essay of a bill for the consideration of the Society. 
They accordingly, having obtained leave of the House, pre- 
sented before the Society an essay of such an act ; and the 
Society aided by the Council, having approved the same, it 
was laid before the Assembly, which was then in session, and 
in due time it was enacted into a law, 8th of December, 1789. 

1790. A special meeting of the Society was held in the 
Second month, for the purpose of taking into consideration the 
propriety of addressing a memorial to the Senate and House 
of Representatives of the United States on the subject of the 
slavery of the Africans. The measure was agreed to, and a 
draft of such a memorial being produced, was read by para- 
graphs, and after some amendments adopted, and directed to be 
transcribed and signed by the President of the Society, and 
two copies transmitted, one to the Senate, and the other 
to the House of Representatives of the United States. 

At the present day, when the Congress of the United States 
absolutely refuse to receive petitions from any source wherein 
slavery is in the remotest degree alluded to, the concluding 
paragraph of this memorial is particularly worthy of notice, 
for the strength of its diction, the extent of its demands, and 
for its having been approved and signed by such a high and 
dio-nified character as Benjamin Franklin, then President of 
the Society, for which reasons it is presented here, viz. 

" From a persuasion that e(nial libeity was originally the 
portion, and is still the birthright of all men, and influenced 
by the strongest ties of humanity, and the principles of their 
institution, your memorialists conceive themselves bound 
to use all justifiable endeavours to loosen the bands of slavery 
and to promote a general enjoyment of the blessing of freedom. 
Under these impressions, they earnestly entreat your serious 

*Jas. Pcmbeitoii, 11. Well.-^,, Wm. Rogers, J. McCrea, Tencli Cox, Na- 
than Boys, Dr. B. Say, Dr. Griffiths, T. Harrison,. J. rroctcr. J. Olden, and 
Caleb Lownes. 



37 

attention to the subject of slavery, that you would be pleased 
to countenance the restoration of liberty to those unhappy 
men, who alone in this land of freedom are degraded into per- 
petual bondage, and who amidst the general joy of surrounding 
freemen, are groaning in servile subjection; that you will 
devise means for removing this inconsistency from the charac- 
ter of the American people ; that you will promote mercy and 
justice towards this distressed race, and that you will step to 
the very verge of the powers vested in you, for discouraging 
every species of traffic in the persons of our fellow men." 

A systematic plan was this year, adopted and carried 
into operation by the appointment of " The committee for the 
improvement of the condition of the free negroes," composed 
of twenty-four members, who were to be sub-divided ; to M''it: 

" 1st. A Committee of Inspection, v/hose duty should be to 
superintend the morals, general conduct, and ordinary situation 
of the free negroes, to afford them advice and instruction, and 
protect them from wrongs. 

2d. A Committee of Guardians, for placing out children 
with suitable persons, that they may learn some trade, or other 
means of subsistence by regular but reasonable apprenticeship. 

3d. A Committee of Education, who were to superintend 
the school instruction of the children and youth of free blacks. 
This branch of the committee was also charged to procure and 
preserve a regular record of the marriages, births and manu- 
missions of all free blacks. 

4th. A Committee of Employ, who were to endeavour to 
procure constant employment for those free negroes who are 
able to work, the want of which would occasion poverty, 
idleness and many vicious habits." The labour of this com- 
mittee proved highly beneficial to the coloured people for 
several years. After which some of its duties became obsolete 
and the committee v/as discontinued. 

In the Sixth month, a special meeting was convened 07i 
the occasion of the death of Benjamin Franklin, the vene- 
rable President of the Society, which event was announced by 

4* 



38 

the Vice President. No provision having been introduced 
into the Constitution of the Society for supplying such a 
vacancy as had now occurred, a Committee was appointed to 
consider of, and, in conjunction with the Council, to propose 
such amendment as may be necessary to remedy that defect ; 
"which was done: and, after the amendment submitted by the 
Committee had been adopted, the Society proceeded to the 
election of a President. James Pemberton Mas unanimously 
elected. 

The office of Vice President having thereby became vacant, 
William Rogers was subsequently elected to supply the 
place. 

The operations and labours of the Society do not appear to 
have ever been limited to the State of Pennsylvania. A case 
is noticed on the minutes of a very interesting suit before the 
Supreme Court of New Jersey, the decision of which involved 
the liberties of a number of blacks unlawfully held in bondage. 
A Special .Committee was appointed to assist the Counsel of 
the Society, in attending to the case, and, if necessary, employ 
other able counsel. The Court pronounced judgment in ; fa- 
vour of the negro, in whose name the action was brought, 
declarinir him to be a tree man. 



CHAPTER VI. 

1791. In the 2d month, the Society was informed that a Bill 
had been introduced into the General Assembly oi this State 
to enable officers of the United States to hold slaves in Penn- 
sylvania. The Acting and Corresponding Committees 
forthwith drew up and presented to the House of Representa- 
tives a Memorial upon the subject, which, together with the 
Bill, had been committed by the House. The proceedings of 
the Committees were fully approved by the Society, and a 
Special Committee appointed to assist them in opposing the 



39 

progress of the bill. They subsequently reported that it had 
been suppressed. 

At the same meeting the President, James Pemberton, com- 
municated an invitation from the American Philosophical 
Society, to attend the delivery of a Eulogium to the memory 
of Benjamin Franklin. " Whereupon it was unanimously 
resolved, that this Society will testify their respect for the 
memory of their late worthy President by their attendance 
upon this solemn occasion." 

In the 10th month, 1791, the Committee of Correspondence 
laid before the Society the draft of another Memorial to Con- 
gress, on the subject of the slave trade, which being read and 
carefully considered, was approved, and directed to be signed 
by the President; and that Committee was charged with 
having it presented to Congress. This memorial is remarka- 
ble as having reference to the previous action of that body, 
which, from its complexion, might almost be supposed attri- 
butable to the influence of the memorial of this Society in 
1790. The concluding paragraphs read thus : 

" The object of the present application is to entreat you to 
consider of some method speedily to put into effect the two 
following resolves, agreed to by the Committee of the Whole 
House, and entered on your Journals in March, 1790. 

" 1st. That Congress have authority to restrain the citizens 
of the United States from carrying on the African trade for the 
purpose of supplying foreigners with slaves; and of providing 
by proper regulations for the humane treatment during their 
passage, of slaves imported by said citizens, into the states 
admitting such importations." 

" 2d. That Congrese have also authority to prohibit foreign- 
ers from fitting out vessels in any port of the United States, 
for transporting persons from Africa to any foreign port." 

At a subsequent meeting of the Society it was reported, that 
the memorial last agreed upon, together with others of a simi- 
lar character, upon the same subject, from the Abolition 
Societies of Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, W'ashing- 
ton in Pennsylvania, Baltimore, and Virginia, and two Socic- 



40 

ties oil the Eastern Sliore of Maryland, " had all been presented 
to the House by the Speaker, and were referred to a Select 
Committee." 

1792. A Committee was appointed to take measures for 
the establishment of an Abolition Society in New Jersey. 
They subsequently reported that they had succeeded in pro- 
curing the formation of a Society at Burlington, called the 
"New Jersey Society for Promoting the Abolition of Slavery." 

1793. First month. The Society was informed by the 
Committee of Correspondence that a petition had been pre- 
sented to the Legislature of this state, by the French emigrants 
from the West Indies, praying for an alteration in the law for 
the gradual abolition of slavery; which application they had 
strenuously aad successfully resisted. The Committee of the 
House of Representatives, to whom the petition had been 
referred, made a very kind and respectful Report, but very 
decidedly adverse to the change asked for by the petitioners ; 
affirming, in strong language, the immutability of the princi- 
ples upon which the act was passed. They say, " That con- 
sielcring slavery as unlawful in itself, and as repugnant to our 
Constitution, they are of the opinion, that it is beyond the 
just authority of the Legislature to authorize it under any 
modification whatsoever;" which Report was unanimously 
adopted. 

" The Committee for Improving the Condition of the Free 
Blacks," laid before the Society a proposition for opening a 
\ I school for young black children, with information that they 
» had found a black woman well qualified for a mistress of such 
a school, and willing to engage therein. The Committee was 
authorized to procure a suitable place for a school for free 
black children. 

At the meeting of the Society, 4th month, a letter was read 
from the Xeu' York Society, proposing a Convention of Dele- 
gates fi-om all the Abolition Societies iu the United States, to 
meet at Philadelphia, for the purpose of deliberating on the 
means of attaining their common object, and of uniting in an 
address to Congress upon that subject. Afler mature consi- 



41 

deration, it was " Resolved, that the Society do agree to the 
proposition of the New York Society, and will appoint Dele- 
gates to the proposed Convention, provided a majority of the 
Abolition Societies in the United States do agree to the mea- 
sure." In the 12th month, Delegates* were appointed, with 
authority on behalf of this Society, to agree to an address to 
Congress on the subject of the slave trade; to decide on all 
matters that should come before them which have any relation 
to domestic slavery wuthin the United States, and generally 
to unite in any measures that to the Convention may appear 
most likely to effect the common purrposes of the several 
Abolition Societies. A Committee was appointed to prepare 
a place and provide other necessary accommodations for the 
meeting of the said Convention, which was proposed to be on 
the 1st of First month, 1794. And it was subsequently agreed 
that the Pennsylvania Society will defray all the expenses of 
copying, printing and publishing the proceedings of the Con- 
vention. The Delegates afterwards reported that the Conven- 
tion assembled in the Select Council Chamber, at which ten 
Societies had been represented, and an address from that 
body to this Society had been agreed upon, which recom- 
mended, amongst other matters of great interest, the institution 
of annual or periodical discourses, or orations, to be delivered 
in public on the subject of slavery, and the means of its aboli- 
tion ; that by the frequent application of the force of reason, 
and the persuasive power of eloquence, slaveholders (or their 
abettors) might be awakened to a sense of their injustice, and 
startled with horror at the enormity of their conduct. And 
also, that such meetings of Delegates be annually convened. 

The Delegates also informed the Society that the Conven- 
tion had prepared Memorials to the Congress of the United 
States, and to the Legislature of this state, upon the subject 
of slavery. A Committeef was appointed to attend to the 

* The Delegates were: William Rogers, Samuel P. Griffitts, Samuel 
Coats. William Rawle, Robert Patterson, Benjamin Rush. 

t The Committee, Jas. Pemberton, Wm. Rodgers, Wm. Rawle. Saml. 
Coats, T. Harrison, Robt. Patterson, Saml. P. Grithtts, and Thos. Parker. 



42 

progress of these memorials before the respective Houses to 
which they are addressed, and to give to the members of those 
bodies respectively such information on the subject as may be 
required. That Committee subsequently reported, "That Con- 
gress had passed an act to prohibit the carrying on the slave 
trade from the United States to any foreign place or country." 

The Society were about this time engaged in the considera- 
tion of the question, " Whether slavery, under any modifica- 
tion whatever, is not inconsistent with the present Constitution 
of this state?" It was determined to bring the subject before 
the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania for a legal decision; and 
a Committee* Avas appointed to select a suitable case for that 
purpose, and prosecute it to a final decision. It appears that 
the Committee on this question were unable to bring a suitable 
case before the proper tribunals for several years. They at 
length made report in the 3d month, 1802: wherein it is 
stated, " that this important question had been brought to a 
judicial decision in the High Court of Errors and Appeals. 
That the question was ably and elaborately discussed by Jared 
Ingersoll, Wm. Lewis, and Wm. Rawle, on behalf of negress 
Flora, the plaintiff in the suit, and by Moses Levy and 
Jos. B. McKean, on behalf of the executors of Joseph Grans- 
berry, the defendants. That at the close of the argument, 
which lasted three days, the judges, Benj. Chew, Edw. Ship- 
pen, Thos. Smith, Hugh Henry Brackenridge, Alex. Addison, 
Jacob Rush, and John D. Cox, delivered their unanimous 
opinion in I'avour of the defendants. So that it is at length 
fully decided by the highest legal authority in this state, that 
slavery is consistent with the Constitution." 

1794. Towards the end of this year the Society proceeded to 
make arrangements for the meeting of the second Convention 
of the Abolition Societies. Delegates were again appointed. 
A Committee was charged to prepare an address to the Con- 

* Committee on the Constitutional question: J. Pembeiton, W. Rod- 
gers, R. Wells, Jas. Todd, Jacob Shoemaker, Walter Franklin, R. Patter- 
son, Saml. Coats, Jno. Kaighn, Edw. Farris, Jno. Ely. T. Parker, Benj. 
Say, Saml. M. Fox, Sallows Shewell, and Francis Bailey. 



43 

vention, which was subsequently agreed upon. Among other 
subjects of interest, contained in that communication, the 
following items are selected, to wit : " In the year 1780, it is 
supposed that there were in the State of Pennsylvania 10,000 
blacks held in a state of bondage. But from various causes, 
such as deaths, emancipations, &c., it appears by the census 
taken in 1790, that there remained but 3,737, which number 
they believe had been considerably reduced since that period." 
They also state, that, from the best information they had 
obtained, there appears to be near 300 families of free blacks 
in Philadelphia, a large number of whom conduct themselves 
with reputation, and by the laws of this state are entitled to 
the privileges of white men. They have two houses for the 
performance of public worship, for which purpose they regu- 
larly assemble. A school has been established for the educa- 
tion of the children of the blacks, by and under the particular 
care of the Society, and taught by a well qualified black 
woman. Two other schools for the same purpose are likewise 
supported in the city by charitable contributions." 



CHAPTER VII. 

1796. Fourth Month. The Society was informed that " a 
bill to prevent the trade in slaves being carried on from one 
part to another of the United States, and for protecting free 
blacks from being carried into slavery," was about to be laid 
before Congress. It was resolved to appoint a Committee* 
to give such assistance in the progress of the bill as might be 
useful or necessary. 

In the Address from the Convention, 1796, they suggest the 
propriety of Abolitionists giving decided preference to such 
commodities as are of the culture or manufacture of freemen, 

♦Committee: T. Harrison, Dr. S. P. GriffittS; James Todd, John 
Woodside, and William Garrum. 



44 

to those which are cultivated or manufactured by slaves, as a 
means by which every individual may discountenance oppres- 
sion, and bear a testimony against a practice which is still 
suffered to remain to the disgrace of our land. 

A letter was received from the New York Manumission 
Society, stating that some of the merchants of that city have 
been engaged in supplying the Spanish West Indies wdth 
slaves, contrary to the laws of the United States; and inti- 
mating that traders in this and other ports are probably en- 
gaged therein. The Society manifested its vigilant care over 
the great interests of the cause, by prompt attention to 
the suggestion of the New York Society. A committee* 
was forthwith appointed to consider the subject, collect 
evidence, and to act as should appear necessary, for the disco- 
very of vessels which trade in slaves to Africa, or elsewhere, 
in contravention of the laws of the United States, and to pro- 
secute thereon.f 

In the 10th month, mention is made of a publication hav- 
ing lately appeared from the press of Matthew^ Carey, entitled 
" A Dissertation on Slavery, with a proposal for the gradual 
abolition of it in the State of Virginia, by St. George Tucker ;" 
the committee of correspondence were authorized to examine 
the said work, and, if found suitable for distribution by the 
Society, to purchase 100 copies. 

The Society, in their Annual Address to the Convention to 
be held in 1797, in answer to their former request for the So- 
cieties to report the number of blacks who had been manu- 
mitted or rescued from slavery through their instrumentality, 
stated, " that although no exact account can be given, it ap- 
pears, from an inspection of the voluminous minutes of our 
acting committee, that assistance has been given to many 

* Committee : John Woodside, Thomas Ross, Joseph Sharpless, 
Joseph Cruikshanks, and Thomas Wistar. 

t That committee made a Report in the 10th month, 1797. The facts, 
as stated by them, will subsequently appeaMo have been communicated 
10 the American Convention. 



45 

hundreds. And numbers have been benefitted by our interpo- 
sition, of whose case no record has been made. 

The same Address informs, " that two brigs had been seized 
and condemned by a jury in the District Court of the United 
States for the Pennsylvania District, upon the clearest festi- 
mony of having been engaged in a trade in slaves from Africa 
to the West Indies. On board of both vessels were found 
hand-cuffs, neck-yokes, chains, and other instruments' of con- 
finement and torture, all concurring to prove the horrid and 
nefarious business in which they had been engaged." " While 
humanity recoils at the narrative of these facts, the friends of 
mankind will be consoled by the consideration that a kind 
Providence has permitted their disclosure as a future terror to 
evil doers, and as a means of preventing these daring and 
cruel violations of the rights of human nature. 

1797-8-9. In 1797, information was received that the 
Wilmington Abolition Society, in consequence of their great 
exertions in behalf of the oppressed blacks, the small number 
of their members, and the low state of their funds, which were 
inadequate to meet the expenses, unavoidably incurred in the 
prosecution of their arduous labours in this righteous cause, 
had become so far discouraged, as to intimate their intention 
of suspending their operations. The Society resolved to 
appoint a committee* to attend their meeting, with an address 
from this Society, and a grant of twelve pounds ten shillings 
per quarter, for the next two years, and to endeavour to sustain 
and reanimate them to renewed zeal in the prosecution of the 
cause, for which they were associated as a Society. 

In the address of the American Convention of 1798, it is 
stated that information had been received, that vessels are 
fitted out with cargoes for certain of the West India Islands, 
part of which cargoes are there disposed of, and with the pro- 
ceeds slaves are purchased, and carried to other of the Islands 
and sold. Also, that other vessels are laden with rum for 
certain parts of Africa, with the proceeds of which we have 

'T. Harrison; T. Parker. G. Williams. 
5 



46 

reason to believe the natives are purchased, and afterwards 
conveyed and sold as slaves in the West Indies. The Conven- 
tion recommends a strict inquiry to be made into the conduct 
of persons, thus offending against the dictates of humanity, 
and4he honour and interests of our country, and that proper 
measures be adopted to punish and prevent such nefarious and 
disgraceful practices. This subject was referred by the Society 
to a committee. In the address to the next Convention, it is 
stated that the inquiries they had recommended, had been 
instituted, by which it appears that such a traffic is extensively 
carried on, and although the practice is notorious, the offenders 
escape with impunity, owing in a great measure to defect in the 
existing laws upon the subject. The address suggests to 
the Convention the expediency of an application being made 
by that body to Congress, for a revision and amendment 
of the laws in relation to the subject. 

1799 A committee* was appointed in the Eleventh month, 
to attend to and promote the passage of a bill, then pending 
before the Legislature of this state, for the total abolition of 
slavery. They subsequently reported that they had attended 
the Legislature, and sedulously endeavoured to effect the 
purpose of their appointment, but their exertions had failed 
of success. 

1800. Seventh Month. — A special meeting of the Society 
was called at the suggestion of the committee on the slave-trade; 
their minutes were produced, by which it appears that two 
American vessels, having on board a considerable number of 
black people, supposed to have been bound to the Havanna, 
had been captured by one of the armed vessels of the United 
States, and sent into this port ; and that the said black persons 
are now in circumstances demanding the attention of this 
Society. A committeef was appointed to watch over their 
situation, and that of any others who may be hereafter brought 

*T. Parker, R. Patterson, Wni. West, Jas. TodJ, and Wm. Webb. 
tGeo. Williams, S. P. Grifliths, David Thomas. U. Patterson, Samuel 
Bettle, T. Harrison, and Edward Garriirues. 



47 

in under the acts of Congress, against the slave-trade, and to 
afford them such assistance and protection, by co-operating 
with the officers of the General and State Governments, 
as may be necessary, and to provide places for such as are 
found to be free. That committee subsequently reported, that 
at the request and under the direction of the Marshal of the 
United States for the District of Pennsylvania, they had 
placed out, principally in the country, one hundred and twenty- 
six persons, the survivors of the cargo of slaves taken from 
the schooners Phoebe and President. 

The condition of the free people of colour, many of whom 
had but recently come out from under the grievous yoke of 
bondage, was almost constantly a source of anxiety and con- 
cern to the Society, the debasing effects of slavery having in 
many instances become almost a second nature, and when 
released from under the control of arbitrary power, they were 
led to indulge in idleness, intemperance, and all its concomi- 
tant vices. To obviate these evils, as far as human means could 
do so, addresses were frequently issued, containing pertinent 
advice and counsel to the coloured people, in relation to their 
moral duties. In the Tenth month of this year, (1800) 
a committee, which had been appointed to devise means for 
promoting greater regularity of deportment amongst the free 
blacks, reported, " that they were impressed with the belief, 
that advice on the subject of religion and morals ought fre- 
quently to be given to them, in such a manner as to convince 
them that we are sincerely desirous of promoting their wel- 
fare." An address prepared for that purpose was submitted, 
and being approved, a large committee* was appointed to 
attend their places of public worship, to read the address 
to them, and distribute it at their discretion. That committee 

*Jo5. Clark, Wm. Wigglesworth, Saml. Harvey, R. Patterson, Benj. 
Kite, Geo. Williams, T. Harrison, Jno. Evans, Saml. Smith, Timothy 
Paxton, Jno. Ormrod, Wm. Jones, Jos. Cruikshanks, Emmor Kimber, 
Mordecai Churchman^ I. T, Hopper, Jno. Miller, T. Rogers, James Tra- 
quair, and Jno. B. Wilson. 



48 

some time after, reported that they had performed the service 
with which they had been charged. They had attended at the 
places of public worship, anti at three societies of coloured 
persons instituted for the benevolent purpose of assisting each 
other and their families in sickness and distress. They had also 
divided themselves into sub-committees, and visited the fami- 
lies of the coloured people in the city and liberties generally. 
They found six hundred and fifty-nine families, containing 
about two thousand three hundred persons, and estimate the 
number of coloured people living in white families, at four 
hundred. They add, that the greater number of coloured 
people, appear to live orderly, decently and comfortably, and 
in the course of their services, the committee and the address 
were favourably received, and in many instances strong testi- 
mony was borne expressive of great satisfaction on the part of 
those visited. 

1801. A bill having been introduced into the Senate of 
Pennsylvania, ostensibly providing for the total abolition 
of slavery, but containing provisions highly injurious and 
oppressive to the blacks ; a special meeting of the Society 
was called, to consider the expediency of addressing the Legis- 
lature on the subject. A memorial in accordance with the 
decision of the meeting was prepared, from the tenor of which, 
it ai)pears that it had been proposed to create a fund for the 
purchase of slaves, by a tax upon 'the free blacks for that 
special purpose. The memorial states, " that the Society 
impressed with a high regard for the Constitution of the State, 
have ever sincerely lamented, that a mistaken policy should 
have led to a violation of the first most clear and solemn 
declaration of its bill of rights, which declares ' That all men 
are born equally free and independent, and having certain 
inherent and indefeasible rights ; among which are those of 
enjoying and defending life and liberty, of acquiring, possess- 
ing, and protecting property and reputation, and of pursuing 
their own happiness.' With this solid ground to act upon, 
they had hoped that an enlightened Legislature would with 



49 

firmness have ventured to declare that slavery in this State 
cannot constitutionally exist, and a declaratory statute to this 
effect, has appeared to your memorialists a consistent and just 
mode of at once announcing a candid and irrefutable exposi- 
tion of the Constitution, and an overthrow of the existing 
system of domestic slavery,- by which it has been so long- 
violated. How far does the bill before you afford a prospect 
of these expectations being realized." 

" Why," they ask, " is the fund for the redemption of slaves 
to be created by a heavy and exclusive tax on the people of 
colour, when many of them have pined away their best days 
in a cruel bondage, and from the weight of declining years 
are now barely able by their industry to supply the common 
wants of nature, and are not permitted the full rights of citi- 
zenship ? " 

The memorial was adopted, and forwarded to the Legislature. 



CHAPTER VIII. 

1803. At the annual meeting of the Society, held First 
month, a communication was received from the venerable James 
Pemberton, who had served as President for a period of thir- 
teen years, in which he very respectfully states, that, in con- 
sequence of his advanced age, he feels himself incompetent to 
fill the station he has so long occupied, and urgently requests 
to be excus ed from a re-election to that important office. 
The Society subsequently proceeded to an election for officers, 
and Dr. Benjamin Rush was elected President, and Robert 
Patterson and Thomas Parker, Vice Presidents. 

In noticing the election of Dr. Benjamin Rush, as President 
of the Society, it may be proper to remark, that in addition to 
his eminent reputation as a medical practitioner and teacher, 
he was no less distinguished as a philanthropist, and a friend 
of the rights of man. He w^as a signer of the Declaration of 

5* 



50 

Independence, and subsequently a member of the Convention 
for the adoption of the Constitution. He also early identified 
himself with the unpopular cause of emancipation, and, as a 
delegate from this Society, took an active part in the American 
Convention for the abolition of slavery, which met in Phila- 
delphia in 1794. He w^as chairman of a committee w'hich 
dratted an Address issued by that body to the people of the 
United States, on the subject of slavery, which, for vigour 
and simplicity of style, and emphatic condemnation of the 
.system of slavery, has rarely been equalled. 

As this is probably the first Address on the subject of slave- 
ry which was ever put forth by a public body in the United 
States, it is deemed worthy of a place here in connection with 
its distinguished author. 

" To the Citizeyis of the United States. 

The Address of the Delegates from the several Societies, formed in 

dilferent parts of the United States, for promoting the abolition 

of slavery, in Convention assembled at Philadelphia, on the first 

day of January, 1794. 
Frucnds and Fellow Citizens. — United to you by the ties 
of citizenship, and partakers with you of the blessings of a free 
government, we take the liberty of addressing you upon a subject, 
highly interesting to the credit and prosperity of the United States. 

It is the glory of our country to have originated a system of 
opposition to the commerce in that part of our fellow creatures 
who compose the nations of Africa. 

Much has been done by the citizens of some of the States to 
abolish this disgraceful traffic, and to improve the condition of 
those unhappy people, whom the ignorance or the avarice of our 
ancestors had bequeathed to us as slaves: but the evil still con- 
tinues, and our country is yet disgraced by laws and practices, 
which level the creature man with a part of the brute creation. 

Many reasons concur in persuading us to abolish domestic 
slavery in our country. 

It is inconsistent with the safety of the liberties of the United 
Statrs. 



51 

Freedom and slavery cannot long exist together. An unlimited 
power over the time, labour, and posterity of our fellow-creatures, 
necessarily unfits men for discharging the public and private 
dutie? of citizens of a republic. 

It is inconsistent with sound policy, in exposing the States which 
permit it, to all those evils which insurrections and the most resent- 
ful war have introduced into one of the richest islands in the West 
Indies. 

It is unfriendly to the present exertions of the inhabitants of 
Europe, in favour of liberty. What people will advocate freedom, 
with a zeal proportioned to its blessings, while they view the 
purest republic in the world tolerating in its bosom a body of 
slaves ? 

In vain has the tyranny of kings been rejected, while we permit 
in our country a domestic despotism, which involves, in its nature, 
most of the vices and miseries that we have endeavoured to avoid. 

It is degrading to our rank as men in the scale of being. Let us 
use our reason and social affections for the purposes for which they 
were given, or cease to boast a pre-eminence over animals, that 
are unpolluted with our crimes. 

But higher motives to justice and humanity towards our fellow- 
creatures remain yet to be mentioned. 

Domestic slavery is repugnant to the principles of Christianity. 
It prostrates every benevolent and just principle of action 
in the human heart. It is rebellion against the authority of a com- 
mon Father. It is a practical denial of the extent and efficacy 
of the death of a common Saviour. It is an usurpation of the pre- 
rogative of the Great Sovereign of the Universe, who has so- 
lemnly claimed an exclusive property in the souls of men. 

But if this view of the enormity of the evil of domestic slavery 
should not affect us, there is one consideration more which ought 
to alarm and impress us, especially at the present juncture. 

It is a violation of a divine precept of universal justice, which 
has, in no instance, escaped with impunity. 

The crimes of nations, as well as of individuals, are often de- 
signated in their punishments; and we conceive it to be no forced 
construction, of some of the calamities which now distress or im- 



52 

pend our country, to believe that they are the measure of evils 
which we have meted to others. 

The ravages committed upon many of our fellow-citizens by the 
Indians, and the depredations upon the liberty and commerce of 
others of the citizens of the United States by the Algerines, both 
unite in proclaiming to us, in the most forcible language, ' to loose 
the bands of wickedness, to break every yoke, to undo the heavy 
burthens, and to let the oppressed go free.' 

We shall conclude this address by recommending to you, 

First. To refrain immediately from that species of rapine and 
murder which has improperly been softened with the name of the 
African trade. It is Indian cruelty, and Algerine piracy, in ano- 
ther form. 

Secondly. To form Societies in every State, for the purpose of 
promoting the abolition of the slave-trade, of domestic slavery, the 
relief of persons unlawfully held in bondage, and for the im- 
provement of the condition of Africans, and their descendants 
amongst us. 

The Societies which we represent, have beheld with triumph, 
the success of their exertions, in many instances, in favour of their 
African brethren ; and, in full reliance upon the continuance of 
divine support and direction, they humbly hope, their labours 
will never cease, while there exists a single slave in the United 
States." 

1804. In the Address to the American Convention of this 
year, it was stated, that agreeably to a suggestion from that 
body, as to the expediency of having a standing committee, 
charged with the publication of suitable extracts, essays, and 
fuo-itive pieces relative to slavery, the subject had been placed 
under care of the Society's committee of correspondence. 

A special meeting was held in the Second month. In 
consequence of information being received, that a bill, entitled 
" An Act for the Abolition of Slavery," &c., was under con- 
sideration in the Senate of this State, it was resolved, that a 
memorial* be addressed to the Legislature on the subject. An 

* CommiUee to prepare the nicmorlal : T. Parker, G. Williams, and 
Samuel Bcttle. 



53 

Essay being produced, was adopted. It respectfully repre- 
sents, " That, in common with a vast majority of our fellow 
citizens, we have noticed, with great satisfaction, that a bill 
is now pending before the Legislature for the immediate and 
total abolition of slavery forever in this Commonwealth. 
Although we do not deem it necessary, at this enlightened 
period, to go into a long detail of reasoning, yet, we believe 
it a duty, to profess our warm and decided approbation of the 
measure. We respectfully and earnestly solicit, that the pre- 
sent opportunity may not be permitted to escape for wiping 
away the opprobrium which has so justly attached to our 
State on account of the manifest difference between the noble 
Charter of Liberty contained in our excellent Constitution, 
and a practice so pregnant with evil, and so directly in oppo- 
sition to all our boasted professions." 

" We humbly conceive, that in every aspect in which the 
question can present itself, even tested by the cold maxims of 
policy, no period has occurred wherein the measure we advo- 
cate could, with more propriety, be adopted." " We therefore 
respectfully entreat, an early decision abolishing slavery in 
this State." 

Such was the style in which our predecessors in this 
glorious warfare approached the Legislative bodies, when 
addressing them upon the important and deeply interesting 
subject of slavery. 

1804. In the Sixth month, the Society was informed that 
the ship Rufus, Captain Hazard, had been seized, upon suspi- 
cion of being fitted out for the purpose of being employed in 
the slave trade. A special committee* was appointed to in- 
vestigate the circumstances of the case. It appearing to re- 
quire prompt attention, they informed Captain Hazard of their 
intention to interrogate the inferior officers and seamen, which 
he readily acceded to. They proceeded on board, accom- 
panied by a Justice of the Peace for the District of Southwark, 

* T. Harrison, I. T. Hopper, Mordecai Churchman, W. Jones, Han- 
son Waters, John Folwell and Oihniel Alsop. 



54 

who exparti and separately examined the second mate, boat- 
swain and several others. After mature consideration, it was 
deemed unsafe to prosecute the business further. Although, 
from the nature of the cargo, the manner of her fitting up, the 
renewal of her fixtures for carrying arms, the number of hands, 
the great quantity of water and provisions on board, and a 
variety of other circumstances, no doubts remained on the 
minds of the committee that the ship Rufus was, and actually 
is intended to be employed in the transportation of slaves ; 
yet the total want of positive, and the deficiency of strongly 
presumptive evidence, induced the conclusion that it would be 
best to relinquish the object before any considerable expense 
was incurred. The ship was accordingly released. 



CHAPTER IX. 

1805. Twenty-five years have now elapsed since the law 
was passed for the gradual abolition of slavery in this state, 
the operation of which had so far reduced the number of 
slaves, as in great degree to lessen the occasion for active 
exertions by the Society in relation to the primary object of 
the association — that of " promoting the abolition of slavery." 
Hence we begin to find indications of the commencement of 
that decline of energy, and gradual tendency to a state of apa- 
thy, the fruition of which the present remnant of the Society 
have so much reason to deplore. These remarks are induced 
by the language of the Address to the American Convention 
for this year, in which it is avowed that " much of the exer- 
tions of our Society will, in consequence of the rapid decline 
of slavery amongst us, be employed in future, less in obtaining 
the liberation of blacks, than in the improvement of their 
morals, and the promotion of the education of their offspring. 
It gives us great pleasure that the blacks themselves seem 
lately to have felt more than ordinary concern on this subject. 



55 

In addition to the means of education heretofore provided, they 
have established tv^o schools in this city amongst themselves." 
Subsequent observations will show the progress made by the 
coloured people in the improvement of their condition mentally 
and physically. 

The increase of the overwhelming power and despotism of 
slavery begins to be more and more apparent. Its domineer- 
ing tendency and withering effects are visible even in the 
communications of the American Convention as early as 1804, 
in which it is stated " that they have to regret, not only the 
absence of Delegates from the Abolition Societies of the 
Southern States, where slavery most abounds, but the omission 
on their part of sending a communication, as the Rules of the 
Convention seem to have contemplated." In the Address of 
this Society for 1806, to that body, this neglect of the southern 
Societies is adverted to, and a few of their remarks are quoted, 
as corroborative of the sentiments just presented. 

They say — " It is a subject of serious regret that these 
annual associations have of latter years been destitute of repre- 
sentatives from those states wherein the evil which w^e desire 
to eradicate, most extensively prevails. Exertions have not 
been wanting on your part to arouse the dormant spirit of the 
friends of our enslaved fellow men, but those exertions have 
proved unavailing. To what is this to be attributed? We 
believe the true reason why ostensible and public measures 
are not pursued by the advocates of abolition in the Southern 
States, will be found in a pretty general impression, that it 
would not, under existing circumstances, and in the present 
temper of the public mind, be expedient and useful. The 
extreme unpopularity of all combined attempts, has therefore 
introduced the substitute of individual interference as parti- 
cular urgencies require. Perhaps it may be questioned whe- 
ther, all things considered, this plan may not be the most 
eligible." 

We grieve to say that this language emanated from the 
Pennsylvania Society. Far be it from us of the present day, 
to call in question, or underrate the sterling merit of the 



56 

valuable and noble champions who were at that time actively 
eno-aged in carrying on this righteous cause. It is perhaps 
difficult for us to appreciate the inveterate malice by which 
they were assailed at all points, and the incessant contumely 
to which the advocates for the rights of the coloured man in 
strong slaveholding neighbourhoods were constantly exposed. 

In addition to the suggestions alluded to, the Address offers 
as a subject of inquiry wxll deserving the attention of the 
Convention, " whether any material injury would arise from a 
temporary suspension of their functions." This, coming from 
one of the most respectable and important Societies of which 
the Convention was composed, had the effect contemplated; 
the meetings of that body, which had previously been held 
annually, were determined, by vote of the Convention, in 
future, to be convened triennially. 

1809. In the address from the Society, we find the diffi- 
culties in the way of their operations again adverted to, serv- 
ing to exhibit the idea then held in relation to the apathy, which 
began to be sensibly prevalent, bat which the writers of the 
address do not attribute to motives which at this day but too 
obviously appear to altacli to the relaxation of energy, and lower- 
in"' of tone with which their sentiments are expressed. We 
quote a few paragraphs, which will also serve to explain more 
clearly, the causes of the increasing obsiructions they had to 
contend with, viz : 

"Notwithstanding the apparent advancement of the great 
cause of emancipation, the application of the laws on this in- 
teresting subject to the relief of the oppressed, becomes daily 
more difficult. Prudence has become necessary to our security, 
and persuasion to our success. While we thus candidly ac- 
knowledge the necessity of circumspection, we deprecate an 
inference that our conduct is in any degree influenced by a de- 
reliction of principle. 

" Hitherto, the approving voice of the community, and the 
liberal interpretation oi the laws, have smoothed the path of 
duty, and promoted a satisfactory issue to our humane exertions. 



57 

At present, however, the sentiments of our fellow citizens, and 
the decisions of our Courts, are less auspicious. 

" This change of opinion, so injurious to the cause we have 
espoused, is to be attributed to the success, rather than to the 
misconduct of the Society. Our early and meritorious exertions, 
awakened the attention, and secured the approbation of a large 
portion of our fellow citizens. The oppressor shrunk from a 
contest against triumphant justice, and general indignation, 
while the oppressed became emboldened by success, and 
strengthened by the increasing current of opinion in favour of 
emancipation. The report of our transactions spread far beyond 
the limits prescribed for our exertions by the laws of Pennsyl- 
vania. Hundreds of our fellow beings in the neighbouring 
states, who bore with impatience the galling yoke of slavery, 
availed themselves of every opportunity which circumstances 
might furnish, to claim the protection of our statutes. Even 
those who had obtained their freedom, resorted too generally to 
this city, as an asylum where a repetition of the wrongs they had 
endured was not to be feared. Freed from the shackles, but 
not from the vices of slavery, those victims of inhumanity 
thronged our streets in search of employment —but too many of 
whom, serve only to swell the list of our criminals, andaugment 
the catalogue of our paupers." 

In the communication of the Convention to the Society, 
amongst divers other interesting observations, they say : " We 
rejoice with you that our national government has had the 
wisdom and humanity to embrace the first consdtutional op- 
portunity offered, to pass a law which entirely prohibits our 
citizens from foreign traffic in human flesh." " But we still have 
to sympathize with nearly a million of human beings, who are 
yet subject to the bonds of slavery within the United States — 
we have yet to mourn over this dishonour of our country." 
" Domestic slavery is a national crime, and it is our duty to em- 
ploy the pen and the press, for the dissemination of such argu- 
ments as shall convince our countrymen of the injustice and im- 
policy ][of such slavery." 

6 



58 

1809. Tcnlh month. — The Society received a communication 
fiom an Abolition Society, lately instituted near Frankfort, 
Kentucky, enclosing a printed copy of their Constitution and 
Rules of Decorum, which was referred to the Committee of 
Correspondence. 

In the 12th month of this year, the first proposition was 
made by the Committee of Education for the Society to 
liave erected a suitable building for the accommodation of a 
school or schools for coloured children. A plan was submitted, 
the probable cost of W'hich was estimated at about $'2000, 
which it was supposed might be raised by subscription. The 
subject, however, remained undecided, and nothing was done, 
except the raising funds for the erection of the building, until 
early in 1812, when a new plan was submitted, which was 
adopted, and the Building Committee directed to proceed forth- 
with to the erection. In 1813, the Committee reported the 
completion of the building, the total cost of which amounted 
to a little over $3,100. The Committee of Education was 
remodelled, and made to consist of thirteen members, under 
the title of the Board of Education. 

As the establishment of schools ibr the education of coloured 
children was an important movenrent of the Society, we pre- 
sent a few extracts from the first Report of the Board of Edu- 
cation after it had been reorganized. 

" A teacher, well qualified, was engaged at a salary of $'300 
per annum, and the school for boys opened on the 1st of Third 
month, 1813. Rules for apportioning the duties of the mem- 
bers, and forming in rotation a Visiting Committee of Three, 
were adopted. The Visiting Committee were to attend at the 
school once in each week for the admission of scholars, and 
for the general concerns of the school. Rules were also 
adopted for its own government, and an early and unreserved 
attention was devoted by the Board for carrying fully into 
elfect the views of the Society in the establishment of the 
institution." 



59 



CHAPTER X. 

1811. Twelfth month,— A committee was appointed to draft 
a memorial to our State Legislature for a law effectually to pre- 
vent the practice of kidnapping negroes within this common- 
wealth, by the imposition of severe penalties on persons con- 
victed thereof And, also, to inquire what other amendments 
may be necessary to the several abolition laws of this state. 
The committee on this occasion were Roberts Vaux, Timothy 
Paxson, Othniel Alsop, Thomas P. Cope, and Joseph Parker. 
They were directed to confer with some of the counsellors of 
the Society, in order to procure the draft of a law embracing 
the amendments deemed necessary to the existing act of the 
commonwealth. The memorial was adopted, and the commit- 
tee which had prepared it were charged with the care of having 
it presented. In the Fourth month following, they reported that 
one of their number had been deputed to the Legislature, who 
presented the memorial, which was read in both Houses, and 
referred to a committee who brought in a bill which came 
under consideration, but was postponed to the next Legislature. 
1S13. Second month.— X special meeting of the Society was 
convened in consequence of sundry conversations reported to 
have been had, between a member of this Society and the 
President of the United States, at Washington ; and, also, con- 
versations and letters between said member and|a distinguished 
Senator, relative to the trade in slaves carried on by citizens of 
the Eastern States, under cover of foriegn flags.* A memorial 
to Congress upon the subject was prepared, setting forth the fact 
that " the flags of foreign countries are employed by American 
citizens to protect this traffic, and the ports of those dominions 

*TheCommitttee were: Roberts Vaiix, Nathan Smhh, Jos. Parker 
Jos. M. Paulj and Thos. P. Cope. ' 



60 

lurnish a market for cargoes thus illegally procured." It also 
says, " From information entitled to the fullest credence, we are 
enabled to declare that upwards of seventy thousand unoffend- 
ing Africans were taken from their native soil in the year 1810, 
and deprived of their legitimate rank among mankind; and it is 
with humiliation and shame confessed, that a large share of the 
profits derived from the sale of these unhappy beings, has 
flowed into the coffers of citizens of the United States, who 
conduct such illicit enterprises and evade the penalties imposed 
by the laws, through the instrumentality of Spanish and Portu- 
guese colours." This memorial was presented to Congress, 
and referred to a committee of five members, who subsequently 
reported that the approaching close of the session, and multipli- 
city of important business yet to be transacted, would in their 
opinion prevent due attention to this subject, and recommend- 
ing early attention and consideration thereof at the succeeding 
session. 

1813. Thirdmonth. — A special meeting of the Society was 
held, at which the following extracts from the Journal of the 
House of Representatives was read : 

" February 23d. Jacob Mitchell presented a petition from 
sundry inhabitants of the city and liberties of Philadelphia, 
stating that the number of people of colour on record within the 
same, amounts to nine thousand s-excn hundred and sixty-two, 
and that there are four thousand runaway negroes there who are 
not on record ; that they are becoming nuisances ; and praying 
that provision may be made by law, to oblige them all to be 
registered, authorizing the sale for a term of years of those who 
shall be convicted of crimes, for the purpose of compensating 
the persons who may have been plundered, and for the expense 
of their prosecution ; and also, that a tax may be levied upon 
them for the support of their own poor." Which petition was 
read and referred to the members from Philadelphia. 

A memorial to the Legislature, expressive of the sentiments 
of the Society in relation to the false ami injurious statement set 
forth in this petition, was prepared and directed to be properly 



61 

• If 

signed, and forwarded to the Legislature. From it we extract 
the following, to wit : "Your memorialists disclaim the office, 
should it be imputed to them, of palliating or defending the 
crimes and misdemeanors which a portion of the African popula- 
tion, in common with their fellow beings of the great human 
family, are too often the authors of. But as they believe it to 
be an eternal truth, ' that all men are born equally free and in- 
dependent, and that they have certain inherent and inalienable 
rights,' we are imperiously bound to remonstrate and protest 
against any and every attempt to mark for exception to this great 
and benevolent maxim, any part of the rational creation of God. 
If the Legislature should adopt laws wholly designed for the 
civil control of our African fellow citizens, or enact a criminal 
code especially intended for the punishment of offences which 
they commit, there will be an utter forsaking of those exalted 
opinions which the founders of the Republic have decreed to be 
inseparable from its existence.'' The memorial also states, 
" that although some of the people of colour are guilty of in- 
fractions of the laws, owing to the facility of obtaining the 
means of intoxication from tippling houses, yet a large 
portion of them are entitled to the reputation of respectable, 
industrious, and useful members of society." The proposed 
alteration of the criminal code was defeated. 

1813. The Society was again specially convened in the 5lh 
month, on account of the death of their President, Dr. Benjamin 
Rush. The following preamble and resolution were adopted, 
and directed to be published in the public papers of the city : 

"It having pleased Divine Providence to remove from this 
state of existence, Dr. Benjamin Rush, who was long distin 
guished for his attachment to the cause of the African race, and 
whose efforts to improve the conf/ition,and promote the welfare 
of that afflicted portion of the human family, were eminently 
manifesied, during nine years'" presidency of this institution; 

" Therefore, Resolved, That this Society sincerely lament the 
termination of the useful labours of its late venerable President ; 
that gratitude for his services, inspires this acknowledgment of 

6* 



G2 

their value, and respect for his memory dictates this tribute to 
his name." 

The Society then proceeded to the election of a President, 
and Dr. Caspar Wistar was elected to that office. 

1815. Third month. — The following minute and resolution 
appear on record : 

" It being desirable that the schools instituted by this Society, 
at their school house on Cherry street, should have an appro- 
^1 priate name, for readily and conveniently distinguishing them 
from others ; therefore, 

" Resolved, That the well known and highly appreciated 
services of Thomas Clarkson, of London, in the cause of African 
\, emancipation, have entitled him to the grateful acknowledg- 
ments of the friends of humanity, and his name being insepara- 
bly connected in their minds with the interesting object to 
which his life has been devoted, the schools above referred to 
be hereafter known and designated by the title of ' The Clark- 
son schools;' and the building erected for them was subsequently 
called Clarkson Hall." 

The pecuniary rewards offered by slaveholders, for the re- 
covery of their absconding slaves, too often proved sufficient to 
induce many of the lower classes of our citizens, as well as 
some inferior magistrates and constables, to assist in finding out 
and arresting many people of colour, on some alleged claim as 
fugitives from labour. Under cover of such pretexts, many who 
were lawfully entitled to their freedom were taken, while others 
were seduced by offers of high wages, to hire themselves out to 
services which required them to go beyond the limits of the 
state, thus becoming exposed to the danger of being kidnapped, 
both cases frequently resulting in their being carried off into 
slavery. The business of the acting committee appears to have 
been greatly increased in consequence of such proceedings, and 
in 1816, a special committee was appointed to assist them in 
detecting and bringing to exemplary punishment, every person 
who should be found guilty of violating the laws of the land. 
The manner in which the Society looked upon such characters. 



63 

and the language used on such occasions, is shown in the fol- 
lowing resolution : 

•'Resolved, That this Society hold in the utmost abhorrence 
the conduct of a number of persons that now infest the city and 
liberties of Philadelphia, for the diabolical purpose of seducing 
and carrying out of this state, free people of colour, for the pur- 
pose of depriving them of that protection which the laws of 
Pennsylvania afford. And we will use all legal means in our 
power, to bring to merited punishment all such violators of 
domestic tranquillity, and the known laws of the land." 

1816. At the annual meeting, a Committee was appointed 
to consider the propriety of presenting a memorial to the 
Legislature of this state, recommending such amendments to 
the laws relative to people of colour, as may be deemed 
advisable. At a subsequent meeting the Committee reported, 
" that, after full consideration of the subject, they thought it 
inexpedient to address the State Legislature, until an altera- 
tion shall be made by Congress in the law, under the shelter 
of which most of the outrages on the rights of the free people of 
colour -are committed ; and that there appears to be a favour- 
able opening, for petitioning Congress to this effect. They 
recommend that an attempt should be made to obtain an 
amendment to the law in question; and a memorial in relation 
to this subject was adopted, and forwarded to Congress." 

In the Third month following, letters v/ere received from 
Washington, stating that the memorials of the Society had 
been presented; and that it was designed to have them 
referred to a Committee who had charge of a similar applica- 
tion from the Society of Friends. But nothing further appears 
to have been done upon the subject. 

In the Address of this Society to the American Convention, 
to be held in 1817, it is stated as " a subject of great regret, 
that the number of those actively engaged in the cause of the 
oppressed Africans is very small. Many of our aged brethren 

* CommiUec were: Joseph Lea, Benj. Tucker, W. Wayne. Jr., and 
D. J. Davis. 



64 

have retired from the contest, and with our benevolent citizens 
an apathy prevails — the more to be lamented, as we fear it is 
the result of a mistaken impression that the work is nearly 
accomplished." 

In answer to a request made by a former Convention, to have 
a list of those peculiar cases which have occasionally claimed 
the attention of our acting committee, they state, " that they 
have been concerned in fifty-three cases; in thirty-six of 
which they were successful in rescuing the objects of their 
care from slavery, and the other seventeen were given up 
i^y the legal authorities." A fear was expressed " that many 
have returned to slavery, on account of the difficuhy of procur- 
ing the necessary documents and testimony to substantiate their 
freedom." " Many cases yet remain under care, in some 
of which suits are pending, to which favourable results are 
anticipated. Amongst other cases which have claimed the 
attention of the committee, are several in which people of 
colour brought into this country contrary to the laws of the 
United States prohibiting the slave-trade, have been rescued 
from the degrading condition to which they had been illegally 
reduced, and restored to the enjoyment of freedom. A very 
important decision has also been lately made by the Supreme 
Court of this State, by which the freedom of children born 
therein is completely established, although the mother may have 
been a runaicay slave." 

Amongst the various means which had been formerly devised 
by the Society, for assisting the coloured people, the judicious 
placing out of their children was recommended, that they might 
learn some trade or business, by which when arriving at man's 
estate they might be able to earn an honest and reputable sub- 
sistence. In order to facilitate which, a standing committee 
was annually appointed, denominated " the apprenticing com- 
mittee." After continuing its labours for several years, and 
faithfully endeavouring to fulfil the beneficial objects contem- 
plated by the Society in their appointment, they this year, 
f'lSl?) reported that they had been able to bind out but a 



65 

very small number, owing to the disinclination of the coloured 
people, to put their children out, until they can keep them no 
longer, and then the committee is applied to ; and when 
a suitable place for the child was provided, the parents had 
perhaps moved away and could not be found, or had otherwise 
disposed of the child." In consequence of these difficulties, the 
committee was discontinued. 



CHAPTER XI. 

A committee* was at the same time appointed in conjunction 
with three of the counsellors of the Society, viz: William 
Rawle, John Hallowell, and William Delany, to examine the 
several laws of this commonwealth relative to people of 
colour, note their defects, and report a bill to be laid before 
the Legislature, embracing such amendments as should appear 
to be requisite. 

A memorial to Congress on the subject of the fugitive law 
w-as submitted. After being deliberately considered, it was 
adopted, and directed to be signed by the officers of the 
Society, and forwarded to John Sergeant, at that time a 
Representative in Congress for this State, with a request that 
he should present it. 

1818. At a special meeting in the Third month, on account of 
the death of the President, Dr. Caspar Wistar, a resolution 
was adopted expressive of " the loss which the Society was 
sensible of having sustained, by that afflicting event, and 
influenced by a recollection of his services in the cause of the 
oppressed African, the memory of this distinguished philan- 
thropist will be gratefully cherished by the members of this 
association." 

*Dr. Jonas Preston, Benj. Tucker, J. M. Paul, Abram L. Pennock, and 
R. C. Wood. 



66 

The Society then proceeded to the election of a President to 
nil the vacancy, when Wm, Rawle was duly elected. 

1818. In the address of the Society, adopted Eleventh 
month 19th, to the American Convention, we have the first 
notice of the " efforts then making for the establishment of a 
colony of free people of colour, upon the coast of Africa, under 
the auspices and control of the American Colonization So- 
ciety ; which was, from the first, viewed with intense interest 
by the legitimate friends of African emancipation." The 
address recommended that a serious investigation should be 
made as to the probable results of the measure. 

The Convention referred the consideration of the subject to 
a committee, who reported decidedly against the colonization 
scheme, as inimical to the objects of the abolition societies, 
and concluded by oflfering the following resolution, viz. 
" Resolved, as the sense of this Convention as explanatory of 
its views of this interesting subject, that the gradual and total 
emancipation of all persons of colour, and their literary and 
moral education should precede their colonization," which 
was adopted. 

The objects of the Colonization Society, also engaged the 
attention of the coloured people of Philadelphia, and a large 
meeting was held in relation to the subject, at which the 
venerable and highly respected James Forten presided. They 
denounced the scheme as injurious and jirejudicial to the best 
interests of their people, and calculated to increase the ten- 
sion of the chains of slavery, rather than to promote its final 
extinction. 

Another memorial to Congress was agreed upon at a meet- 
ing of the Society held in the Twelfth month, 1838, on the 
subject of the sale of people of colour vuider the act of Con- 
gress prohibiting the slave trade. The memorial was pre- 
pared* for general circulation and signature of the citizens at 
J arge. It set forth, " That vour memorialists are informed 



* Committee: Wm. Rawle. Richard I'elcrs. Jr., and Dr. Nathan Shoe- 
maker. 



67 

and believe, that, since the passing of the act prohibiting the 
importation of slaves into any part of the United States, from 
and after the first day of January, 1808, sundry persons of 
colour, who have been illegally imported into the United 
States, or have been seized in the attempt to import them, 
have been sold by the 5th section of that act, which declares, 
" that neither the importer, nor any person or persons claiming 
under him, shall hold any right or title whatsoever to any 
negro, mulatto, or person of colour, nor to the service or 
labour thereof, who may be imported or brought within the 
territories thereof, in violation of this law, but the same shall 
remain subject to any regulation, not contravening the provi- 
sions of this act, which the several states or territories may at 
any time hereafter make for disposing of any such negro, 
mulatto, or person of colour. It t;ets forth that such a pro- 
cedure is inconsistent with natural justice, and contrary to the 
spirit of the law, which was intended to prohibit the increase 
of slaves in the United States, yet their number would be 
increased by every seizure made under the lavv-. That to sub- 
ject those unhappy men to state regulations is unjust, as the 
oppression of the individual is precisely the same, whether the 
individual is sold into slavery by the acts of a state govern- 
ment or by a mercenary importer." 

This memorial M'as extensively circulated, and received up- 
wards of 800 signatures; and the committee being enlarged, 
the number must have been greatly increased. But no account 
is given of its being presented, or of any effect produced. 

At the same meeting a memorial* to the Legislature of 
Pennsylvania was adopted, in which the insufficiency of the 
laws at that time in force for the protection of human liberty 
was complained of — "the soil of Pennsylvania having been fre- 
quently polluted by the footsteps of kidnappers, who, regard- 
less of the laws of God, and disdaining the penalties of the 
statute, have violated the sanctity of domestic repose, with 
brutal violence making captive free people, the descendants of 

* Committee to prepare which was Roberts Vaux, Richard C. Wood, 
Richard Peters, Jr., Dr. Jonas Preston and William Rawle. 



68 

Africans, conveying them to remote places, and consigning 
them to hopeless bondage. The Act of Assembly, March, 
1788, provides, that upon conviction of this high offence, a fine 
of one hundred pounds, and twelve months imprisonment shall 
be visited upon the offender. But this law aflbrds no adequate 
protection to the people of colour — it holds out no availing 
terror to avarice and cruelty." The Legislature w^as therefore 
earnestly solicited to enact such penalties as will effectually 
prevent the practice of man-stealing in this commonwealth. 
The memorial was directed to be forwarded to our Representa- 
tives, with an urgent request to use their utmost exertions to 
procure a more efficient law upon the subject. 

The memorial appears to have been well received, and the 
application of the Society was successful. By a minute of the 
Society, 3d mo. 30th, 1820, the acting committee were autho- 
rised to have printed for distribution 500 copies of the law 
recently enacted by our State Legislature, more effectually to 
prevent kidnapping, as soon as a certified copy can be ob- 
tained. J 

The annual report of the Board of Education for this year 
(1818) speaks in high terms of the benfeficial effects of the 
Clarkson schools, which they say "furnish a decided refuta- 
tion of the charge that the mental endowments of the descend- 
ants of Africa are inferior to those possessed by their white 
brethren." "We can assert without fear of contradiction, 
that the pupils of this seminary will sustain a fair comparison 
with those of any other institution, in wliich the same elemen- 
tary branches are taught." There had been 102 boys and 129 
girls admitted during the year, and 90 boys and 60 girls were 
then in school, the latter having been organized during the 
year under the entire direction of the Board. 

In the year 1819, the Territory of Missouri applied 
to Congress to be admitted into the Union as a member 
of the United States. The application was opposed by the 
friends of freedom, unless the constitution of the proposed new 
state should be modified, so as to prevent the extension of 
slavery. The thanks of this society were voted to James 



69 

Talmadge, Esq., who proposed the exclusion of slavery from 
the new state of Missouri; also to John W. Taylor, Esq., who 
moved the same restrictions in relation to the Arkansas Terri- 
tory. And also to all the members of both houses who advo- 
cated and supported these propositions. It is further stated on 
the records as " a subject of heartfelt satisfaction to the mem- 
bers of this Society, that with but one or two exceptions, every 
Senator and Representative from the State of Pennsylvania 
approved and supported those measures" of opposition to the 
extension of the slaveholding power. 

The society continued anxiously alive to the injurious eflects 
to the cause of Freedom by the measures recently adopted by 
the national legislature upon the celebrated Missouri question. 
John Sergeant of this city, who w^as at that time a repre- 
sentative in Congress from this State, having opposed the 
admission of Missouri into the Union as a slave state, in a very 
able and interesting speech, it was determined that 750 copies 
of that speech be printed for general circulation. A com- 
mittee* appointed for the special purpose of watching the 
progress of the question, while before Congress, made a re- 
port, which was adopted as expressive of the feelings of the 
Society on the occasion. It was directed to be printed, and a 
copy was forwarded to every Senator and Representative in 
Congress who had voted in favour of preventing the further 
introduction of slavery into Missouri. 

1820. In the 1st mo. the Society instituted measures which 
resulted in obtaining for the children of coloured parents a 
share of school education, to which they are entitled by the 
law of Pennsylvania providing for the schooling of all the poor 
children in the commonwealth at the public expense. A 
committee was appointed to confer with the Controllers 
of the Public Schools on the subject. They subsequently 
reported that they had had an interview with the Controllers 
and School Directors, who admitted that the benefits of the 

• * Wm. Rawle. Richard Peter?. Jr., and Jas. M. Paul. 

7 



\ 70 

law were equally intended for, and ought to be extended to 
coloured as well as to poor white children. In order to facili- 
tate a commencement of the public education of coloured 
children, the committee were aurhorized to offer the use of the 
school rooms in Clarkson Hall to the Controllers or Board of 
Directors of the Public Schools for that purpose, reserving the 
right of using the rooms at specified times for the meetings of 
the society, &c. The committee, after having laid the offer 
before the Directors, left it for their consideration ; they finally 
reported that the board had informed them that they had pro- 
cured a building and opened a school for the education of the 
children of both sexes of indigent persons of colour, and there- 
fore respectfully declined the offer made by the Society. 

In the 12th mo. of this year a special meeting of the Society, 
to which the public were invited, was held in the session room 
of the Presbyterian Church, at which David Paul Brown de- 
livered a discourse on the present peculiar aspect of affairs in 
relation to Slavery. At this meeting an essay of a memorial 
to the State Legislature was read and adopted. The language 
used on the occasion to which it refers, appears to possess suf- 
ficient merit to justify us in making the following extracts : 
" The Memorial of the Pennsylvania Society, &c., Respectfully 
sheweth, That forty years have now elapsed, since a full con- 
viction of the justice due to a class of fellow beings then ex- 
isting among us, in considerable numbers, induced your prede- 
cessors to make a provision for the gradual abolition of slavery, 
founded on principles which left to the option of the master to 
continue to fully assert, or fully to relinquish his claim to the 
services of the individual." " We have every reason to believe 
that the number (of slaves) is now so much reduced, as to re- 
move at least one objection (that of exjiense) to effacing this 
stain on our national character. It cannot now be very expen- 
sive to carry into full effect the wise, benevolent and Christian 
principles, set forth as the foundation of the Act of March 1, 
1790." 

" On the general subject of slavery it is needless to enlarge. 



71 

We will merely remind your honorable body, that slavery in 
any and every form is inconsistent with the principles of our 
free and excellent Constitution. The act of 1780 probably 
was carried as far as the danger of the country at the time 
would admit. If, however, a sense of danger then restrained 
the State from going further, a sense of danger, which, though 
different in form, is not less serious in aspect, should now impel 
it to proceed to the full length of the sound and noble doctrine 
laid down in the preamble to that law." 

"The present juncture presents an alarming avowal of prin- 
ciples vitally affecting the nature of our republican governments, 
Slavery is not merely tolerated, but stamped and impressed on 
the body of the constitution of a new State, accompanied by 
an oppressive, wanton and unnecessary discrimination of the 
rights of citizens, depending merely on the colour of their per- 
sons. Against an innovation so alarming, and a precedent so 
dangerous and injurious, we seem called upon to raise our 
voice, and to regulate our conduct. The admission of Mis- 
souri with such a constitution, no State can singly prevent, 
but every State that abhors principles so obnoxious, seems 
bound to remove whatever may be quoted as an example in 
favour of them, furnished by itself. Thus the immediate and 
total abolition of slavery within the limits of our own State, 
becomes a reason of consistency and justice." 

"Your memorialists therefore respectfully submit to the 
Legislature, the propriety of passing a law for the immediate 
and total abolition of domestic slavery within this common- 
wealth." 

The memorial was directed to be forwarded to the Senate 
and House of Representatives, and the thanks of the Society 
were presented to David Paul Brown for his able and eloquent 
address. 



72 



CHAPTER XII. 

18-21. Tivelfth month. — At the stated meeting, a committee* 
was appointed " to inquire what measures may properly be 
be taken by the Society for endeavouring to prevent the 
further introduction of slaves into Florida." The committee 
subsequently reported that, in their opinion, an " act of 
Congress to prevent the admission of slaves into that ter- 
ritory, and to provide for the freedom of all who shall be 
introduced there, would be an event peculiarly auspicious 
for the momentous cause which it is the object of this Society 
to promote." They add, " there are sufficient inducements for 
petitioning Congress on this subject; as a government is to 
be formed for Florida at this session of Congress, our hope of 
success is by no means unreasonable. But even should it fail, 
there still would be advantages derived from petitioning, 
for the cause of humanity gains by every agitation of the 
subject." It being afterwards understood that the American 
Convention had determined upon presenting a memorial to 
Congress upon this subject, the Society postponed further 
procedure thereon. 

The Society appears to have been frequently engaged in 
visiting the coloured people in their places of public worship, 
to communicate either verbally or by printed addresses such 
counsel and advice as was considered best adapted to improve 
their minds, and lead them to the practice of virtue, sobriety and 
industry ; so that by their orderly conduct, they might become 
good and useful citizens. . At the annual meeting. Twelfth 
month, 1822, it was resolved, "that whereas, the expediency 
of occasionally addressing the people of colour on the subject 
of their moral conduct and deportment being manifest, a 
committee be now appointed to prepare an address to them on 
those subjects." They were directed to have five hundred 

* Thos. Earle, Edwin A. Atlee, J. Field, Ji., Jas. jNIott, and Benj. 
Williams. 



73 

copies printed and distributed amongst those for whose benefit 
it was prepared. 

1823. Second month. — A special meeting of the Societ} 
was convened, at which a copy of a communication from the 
State of Maryland to the Legislature of this State was read, 
and an essay of a memorial to the Legislature in relation 
thereto being submitted, it was, after proper consideration, 
adopted, and directed to be signed by the President and 
Secretary, and forwarded to the Senate and House of Repre- 
sentatives. A committee of six members* was appointed to 
give such attention to the subject of this memorial, as it may 
appear to require. As the application from the Legislature of 
Maryland was of a very extraordinary character, and called 
forth an answer at once energetic and explicit, embodying the 
nature of the communication from Maryland, together with a 
statement of the facts in the cases referred to, w^e quote the 
principal parts of the memorial : 

" Your memorialists have seen with concern, a representa- 
tion from a joint committee of the Legislature of Maryland, 
which has been entered at large upon the journals of the 
Senate." " This document contains, in the first place, a com- 
plaint that the citizens of Maryland experience considerable 
difficulty in recovering their fugitive slaves, when they pass 
within the limits of the State of Pennsylvania. And secondly, 
a suggestion that it would be for the interest of our State ' to 
prohibit the settlement of people of colour' among us." Two 
cases are particularly cited as grievances, viz. 

1st. It is asserted ' that the inhabitants of Kennet Square, 
(a village in Chester county), instead of assisting, gave to a 
certain Samuel G. Griffith all the trouble in their power, in 
his attempt to recover a slave who had escaped from him. 
The consequence was, a determination on his part to take his 
slave (at all events); and, in attempting to do so, himself and 
his overseer lost their lives.' 

*VVm. Rawle, Thos. Shipley, Jas. Mott, Benj. Tucker. Robt. ^ilurphy, 
and Philip Price; Jr. 



74 

The Memorial states, from information received, the foots 
in this case are briefly as follows: 

" In the dead of night, on the 15th of December, 1820, the 
cottage in which John Reed resided, and where he was at 
the time entirely alone, was assailed by four persons, who 
demanded admission to search for stolen goods. He remon- 
strated in vain against the impropriety of such an attempt, at 
such an hour. They endeavoured to force open the door ; and, 
in self defence, he shot the foremost, who afterwards was 
found to be Samuel G. Griffiths, who had not announced him- 
self. Reed afterwards, by means of a club, deprived of his 
life Peter Shipley, the overseer, who persisted in the endea- 
vour to enter, and who was also unknown to him. The other 
two persons fled. So far from the inhabitants of the village 
interfering to protect the slave, or to impede the efforts of the 
claimant, there is every reason to believe that it was utterly 
unknown to them that the attempt to seize him would be 
made, or even that any one was in pursuit of him. The 
assailant party had arrived after dark, and communicated 
their intentions to no one. 

"John Reed was tried at the next Court of Oyer and 
Terminer, wdien the above facts were fully proved, and he was 
acquitted of the indictment of murdering Griffiths. At the 
ensuing Court of Oyer and Terminer he was tried on an 
indictment for the murder of Shipley, the overseer, found 
guilty of manslaughter, and sentenced to an imprisonment for 
a term of years. But we cannot admit that the citizens of 
this state are liable to censure, if they do not volunteer to 
return a slave to bondage. The people of this state have long 
expressed their abhorrence of slavery, and it is conceived that 
our southern brethren ought to be satisfied, if, in obedience to 
the laws of the Union, their slaves are not knowingly har- 
boured, nor their endeavours to recover them forcibly opposed. 
The conscientious opinions of our citizens are secured by the 
Constitution, and no man can be compelled to act in opposi- 
tion to tiiem.'- 

" 'i he other case presents still less reason for applying to the 



75 

Legislature. A person was alleged to be the slave, not of the 
claimant, but of another person, from whom it was not pre- 
tended at the time that John Chauncey held any authority to 
act. Destitute of the proofs of his victim's bondage, Mr. Chaun- 
cey requests ' that this person may be held in safe custody 
two days, to give him an opportunity of returning to Hartford 
county, and procuring every possible proof that would be 
demanded. But this was refused.' It requires but little know- 
ledge of the laws, to observe, that a magistrate who would 
commit, or a sheriff or constable who would detain any one 
on such a request, would be liable to an action of false 
imprisonment." 

"They respectfully submit that the existing laws of the United 
States are abundantly sufficient to enable the owners of this un- 
happy species of property to pursue and recover it within the 
Stale of Pennsylvania ; but that he, who disclaiming the assist- 
ance of those laws, assumes a more forcible mode of procedure, 
cannot justly complain if his pursuit is attended with trouble, 
and his exertions fail of success." * 

"But the provisions of the acts of Congress are frequently 
perverted to improper and unlawful purposes. The mode of 
establishing the rights of the claimant is loose and summary ; and 
it is known that many instances have occurred of free people of 
colour having been sworn to as slaves by persons who made a 
trade of arresting them, and had it not been for the watchful 
care of their friends, would have been sold into bondage." 

" In regard to the second division of the subject, your memo- 
rialists have only to say, that whatever may be the disadvan- 
tages or advantages of a large coloured population amongst us, 
it is an error to suppose the friends of the blacks have promoted 
it; they have not been invited nor repelled by us. But can the 
constitutional right of every freeman to enter on our soil, and 
settle among us, be disputed? No distinction of colour is recog- 
nised among us; every man is presumed to be free until he is 
duly proved to be a slave, as every man is presumed to be inno- 
cent until legal proof is adduced of his guilt.'' 

"That cla-^s of persons whose accession is represented as 



76 

dangerous, is in one sense placed on an equal footing with 
others. If industrious and honest, they prosper and are protected ; 
if guilty of crime, they suffer under the stern and even hand of 
justice." 

The cultivation of harmony with a sister state is always de- 
sirable, but it should not be required of us to sacrifice inborn 
duties and inherent rights. The friendly motive of the Mary- 
land suggestions on this subject is respected, but it is believed 
that the wisdom of our own legislature is fully adequate to our 
own exigencies. The present address has been induced only 
by a desire that those who have endeavoured to advocate the 
rights, inform the minds and sooth the sorrows of the Africans, 
should not by their silence be considered as acquiescing in the 
letter from the committee of the Maryland Legislature. 



C H A P T E R X 1 1 I . 

1823. The Legislature of South Carolina hav^ing recently 
passed a law affecting the rights of free persons of colour, the 
subject was referred to a committee,* to take such measures in 
relation thereto as should appear expedient. The committee 
subsequently reported, that upon a full consideration of the mani- 
fest injustice and unconstitutionality of the law of South Caro- 
lina,! in subjecting to imprisonment all free coloured mariners 

» Committee : W. R:avle, T. Shipley, J. INIoU, B. Tucker, R. Murphy, 
P. Price, Jr. 

fThis odious law of South Carolina still continues in active operation, 
and similar provisions have been adopted by otlier Southern States. The 
Lejiislalure of Pennsylvania did nolhin<^- in opposition to it. But Massa- 
chusetts within a few years adopted some energetic measures in rela- 
tion to the grossly unjust oppression to which some of her coloured chi- 
zens. acting as marincis, were subjected in the ports where that law 
prevailed. But the mobocratic spirit of the slaveholders completely 
overruled every attempt of the people of JMassachusetts to protect the 
ffcc coloured people from tlic operation of their vile laws; and an agent 



77 

who'should arrive at the port of Charleston, they thought it best 
to lay the subject before the Legislature of this state. An essay 
of a memorial for that purpose was produced, wherein is set forth 
the origin of the constitutional provision, whereby the Southern 
States were allowed a Representative in Congress equal to three- 
fifths of their slaves. "Thus, these poor people, who at home 
were degraded from their natural rights, denied all political 
character, and recognised only as subjects of property, were re- 
ceived to augment the number of representatives, for whom they 
could not vote, and of whose acts they did not comprehend the 
nature, and seldom knew of their existence." Beside this 
was also inserted in the constitution the privilege of pursuing 
after absconding slaves, and retaking them from any state 
wherein they may be found, any law of that state to the con- 
trary notwithstanding. 

"For these concessions" (the memorial states) "it formed 
but a moderate counterpoise, that the citizens of each state 
should be entitled to all the privileges and immunities of citizens 
in the several states. Yet in total disregard of this constitutional 
provision for equality of rights and privileges, the law of South 
Carolina subjects every free person of colour, on arriving at any 
of their ports or harbours, in the capacity of seaman, steward, 
cook, or otherwise, to be seized, committed, and detained in jail 
until the departure of the vessel ; and if the captain does not, 
before his departure, pay the expenses of his imprisonment, the 
individual is sold into irremediable slavery." 

The memorial proceeds in an argumentative way to set forth 
the necessity of the state government interfering to protect this 
unfortunate class of its citizens, " who, by their peculiar situation 
and by common usage, have been shut out from the most lucra- 
tive and honourable employments of Ufe. How hard, then, that 
they must be prevented from following even the hard calling of 

appointed by the Governor of that State to reside in Charleston, for the 
purpose of examining into the cases of free coloured mariners arriving 
in that port, was ignominiously expelled from the state. Such is the 
all-controlling power of pure despotism — Slavery. 



78 

a seaman's life, in which capacity many of them are highly 
valued. They pray the Legislature to take this recent law of 
South Carolina into their serious consideration, and either by 
representation to the government of that state, or such other 
manner as may be deemed most expedient, endeavour to avert 
its injury and injustice." 

Ill the address from this Society to the American Convention, 
issued in the 7th mo. of the same year, it is stated that " several 
of our citizens, pursuing their lawful occupation as mariners, 
having been imprisoned in the port of Charleston, South Caro- 
lina, pursuant to a law forbidding free coloured persons from 
entering that state, under the penalty of imprisonment and a lia- 
bility to be sold as slaves, this Society petitioned the Legisla- 
ture of Pennsylvania to interfere in their be! alf ; but the session 
closing soon after, it was not acted on. Since that period, the 
case of a coloured British seaman has been brought before 
Judge Johnson by habeas corpus, who declared the law uncon- 
stitutional. But from recent accounts, it appears the officers of 
that state pay no regard to his decision." 

In the same address the following remarks occur to wit: " We 
address you at this time with feelings of anxious solicitude for 
the success of our united exertions in the great cause in which 
we have embarked. Perhaps at no period were the efTorts of 
philanthropists more necessary to enlighten the public mind than 
at the present. Recent events in the western parts of our country 
have shown that the most deplorable ignorance prevails respect- 
ing the baneful effects of slavery: instead of witnessing the 
gradual advancement of emancipation to reduce the number of 
slaves in the United States, we have had with sorrow to observe 
their numbers progressively to increase. Raised like cattle for 
the market, they are driven from one state to another, and sold 
to the highest bidder." 

"We have also seen with astonishment and regret, that the 
slaveholder, no longer fearful of reproach, has dared to propose 
to the citizens of Illinois and of Indiana to change their free 
constitution and become the holders of slaves. And while we 



79 

lament that the historian must record the fact that this proposal 
was listened to and acted upon in Indiana, "we congratulate the 
friends of humanity that there was virtue enough in that state, 
finally to reject it by a large majority. The trial has yet to be 
passed in Illinois; but we are well informed that it will there be 
opposed by the united efforts of the wise and good, and we hope 
we may rely on the mercy of an overruling Providence to open 
the eyes of the citizens of that state to the depth of the gulf that 
is yawning before them. It is indeed matter of astonishment, 
that while the Representatives of these very states in Congress 
were engaged in the passage of a law condemning the slave- 
trade as piracy, that this horrid proposal should have been a 
moment listened to." 

At a subsequent meeting, a lengthy but very interesting 
essay of an address to the inhabitants of Illinois, on the 
proposed alteration in their constitution, so as to permit 
slavery in that state, was read and approved. It appears to 
have been prepared by an individual as his own act, but the 
Society directed one thousand copies to be printed and 
forwarded to our friends in that State for circulation. 

The final termination of this extraordinary attempt to 
destroy the free constitution of a State, and extend the limits of 
slaveholding dominion, resulted in a total defeat of the appli- 
cation for the change, and we rejoice at the present day in 
still claiming Illinois, as one of the free states of the Union, 
and a fair proportion of the inhabitants of bothstates as active 
and zealous abolitionists. 

1823. Jfinth month. — A printed letter from the Abolition 
Society of Kentucky on the interesting object for which we are 
associated, was presented and read ; an answer* to which, 
was subsequently prepared and forwarded. From that commu- 
nication we extract the following paragraph, viz. " In answer- 
ing your truly acceptable communication, we are gratified 

' Committee to prepare an answer : T, Shipley, E. P. Atlee, S. Tem- 
ple, and James Mott. 



80 

in stating that the sentiments it contains, are in full accordance 
with those constantly promulgated by our institution. As 
Christians and philanthropists we rejoice in hailing you as 
co-adjutors, earnestly engaged in endeavours in some measure 
to wipe off the foul stain which has so long blotted our 
professedly fair escutcheon." 

" This Society have noticed with pleasure, the number of 
individuals in your state, who have generously enrolled them- 
selves to stem the tide of oppression. Be assured of our 
fraternal sympathies, and of our continual and fervent wishes 
for your prosperity. May you be strengthened to surmount 
every obstacle, and in the end receive the reward of the 
righteous." "Remember that the enemies of liberty, are 
actively and industriously engaged in attempts to frustrate our 
benevolent purposes, and that therefore in combatting with 
cruelty and oppression, we should exercise charity, and show 
forth by the innocence and disinterestedness of our lives, that 
we are actuated by principle." 

This Kentucky Society, located as it was in the centre of a 
large slave population, appears to have existed from 1809, to 
1823, a period of fourteen years ; how much longer it con- 
tinued its valuable labours as a society for promoting the 
abolition of slavery, we have no means of ascertaining, but 
there appears no further notice on our records of any subse- 
quent correspondence. 



CHAPTER XIV. 

1824. Second month. — The Society again, by a Committee* 
previously appointed for that purpose, prepared a memorial to 
Congress, on the subject of slavery in the District of Columbia, 

t CommiUee: William Rawle, T. Earle, Isaac Barton, T. Hale, and 
J. H. WiUits. 



it was read, and forwarded to a member of Congress from 
this city, with a request that it be presented to that body. 

An invitation having been extended by Boyer, President of 
Hayti, through a special messenger, to induce free people of 
colour to emigrate to that island, a committee* was appointed 
to collect information in relation to that subject, who reported 
in substance as follows : 

" That there was at that time in this city, an authorized 
agent of the government of Hayti, empowered by President 
Boyer, to invite all classes and descriptions of free coloured 
people of good character, to emigrate to that island ; with 
assurance that they will be received as citizens and children 
of the Republic ; that they will be protected by its laws, and 
encouraged and assisted in their several professions." 

" The invitation of President Boyer proposed to divide the 
emigrants into three classes. The first to consist of the cultivat- 
ors or agriculturists. To every family of this class, consisting of 
twelve persons, or any association, to that number, there would 
immediately on their arrival be allotted thirty-six acres of un- 
seated or government land, or three acres to each for their 
support, of which they would become sole proprietors, after 
they had by their own industry improved the same." 

" The second class to consist of labourers, or those who em- 
bark with a view of cultivating the lands of citizens, already 
planted with coffee, sugar cane, &c., either by renting or 
working them upon shares. These would have to come under 
obligations, on their arrival at Hayti, to enter into the above 
situation, under the protection of the laws and regulations made 
for governing such contracts, and to pay in six months the 
expenses of their passage." 

" The third class would consist of those who emigrate as 
mechanics, traders, clerks or schoolmasters. These must also 
give obligation to repay in six months the expense paid on 
account of their passage. 

*Joseph Parrish; T. Shipley, Henry Troth, Jonas Preston, J. ^I. Paul, 
and B. Tucker. 



82 

" All religious professions are tolerated, and every man left 
at liberty to worship his Creator, according to the dictates of 
his own conscience, provided it does not disturb the public 
tranquillity." 

The report of the committee further states, " that a vessel 
with fifty emigrants had sailetl from this port within a few days 
for Hayti, and that upwards of five hundred had engaged to go. 
The committee were not prepared to express any opinion as to 
the consequences of this scheme, as it relates to the happiness 
or improvement of the condition of the emigrants." 

After hearing the report, and considering all the circum- 
stances, it was " Resolved, That this Society deem it inex- 
pedient at this time to take any steps, or adopt any measures to 
encourage or discourage the coloured people in embracing the 
invitation of President Boyer." 

1825. In the address of the Society to the American Con- 
vention, the following paragraph occurs, which is quoted here, 
as an interesting item of history relating to the Abolition of 
Slavery : 

" The just and magnanimous conduct of the Colombian 
Government, in abolishing slavery, we trust will not be lost 
upon the United States. In a population of 3,000,000, it is 
stated by ' Ravcnga,'' theblacks and Indians amount to 900,000. 
Of these, a large number were emancipated by individuals at 
once. Bolivar gave liberty to 700, and others acted in a similar 
manner. By a law of the state, the children were all made free 
on the adoption of the Constitution ; and for the liberation of 
the adults, a legacy duty was levied on all disposable property, 
varying from three to ten per cent, which fund can never be 
appropriated to a different object, so long as a slave remains 
in the state, which is rapidly producing its intended effect." 

We also quote the following with much pleasure, as the 
same writer's excellent testimony of the good character of the 
coloured people : 

" Although at the time the country was overrun with hostile 
armies, and the masters were frequently obliged to abandon 
their property, the docility on the part of the blacks, wa? 



83 

never so conspicuous ; and the confidence and security of the 
whites were greater than at any former period." 

We may be excused for making another extract from the 
same document, which having been prepared by the steady 
characters, who some are wont in these times to refer to, as the 
old worthies of the Society, very conclusively shows, that even 
at that date, violent opposition and excitement existed towards 
the advocates for the rights of the slave. 

"The sectional jealousies created by this iniquitous system, 
— the trembling anxieties of some of the states, lest their 
usurped rights should be infringed, and the repeated violations 
of the Constitution, to protect the master from the slave, in- 
dubitably prove that the evil has attained its crisis, and calls 
loudly for a remedy." 

The first notice of a periodical, devoted to the purposes of 
the Society, appears on the minutes of this year, where it is 
stated that Benjamin Lundy,* of Baltimore, has for some time 

* The name of Benjamin Lundy, who was a valuable member of 
this Society, and long and fully identified with the cause of abolition, 
deserves something more than a passing notice in this connection. 
A memoir of his extraordinary life and travels has been published, from 
which we learn that, in early life, he became deeply affected on account 
of the cruel wrongs and sufferings of the slaves, and determined to de- 
vote himself to their relief. He commenced his labours at St. Clairsville, 
Ohio, in 1815, and succeeded in organizing an Anti-Slavery Society, 
which soon numbered five hundred members. At the conclusion of an 
address to one of the first meetings, he stated '-'That he had had the 
subject long in contemplation, and had now taken it up, fully determined 
never to lay it down while he breathed, or until the end should be 
attained." The resolution thus nobly formed, he seems never, for a 
moment to have relinquished, or abated in the least degree his earnest 
pursuit of the object he aimed at. A friend, named Charles Osbor-iC, 
having commenced the publication of a paper at Mount Pleasant, Ohio, 
B. Lundy availed himself of its columns to publish essays upon slavery. 
He subsequently purchased the whole concern, and devoted it entirely 
to the promotion of the anti-alavery cause, under the title of ''The 
Genius of Universal Emancipation," the publication of which was con- 
tinued, except eome brief intervals, during the remainder of his life. 
From the issuing of the first number of his paper to the very last, 
he had to struggle under complicated difficulties — penury, want of 



84 

past published a weekly paper in that city, the sole object of 
which is to promote the abolition of slavery jn the United 
States. Whereupon the Society resolved to patronise it by a 
loan of fifty dollars, and recommended it to the members for 
their support. 

patronage, bitter enemies, and cold friends, notwithstanding which, 
he persevered with unremitting energy, acting as editor, compositor, 
and printer. He frequently worked at the trade of a saddler, (to 
which he had served an apprenticeship) to earn a few dollars to 
procure materials for liis paper. Besides this, he was frequently 
engaged in travelling from place to place in almost every State in the 
Union, lecturing upon slavery, the subject ever present and most near 
to his heart. He was the principal means of instituting a large number 
of Societies in the different States of the Union, many of them in slave- 
holding districts, which were in some instances composed in part of 
nlaveholdeis. The inconsistency of such a mixture of opposing interests, 
may account for the fact, that none of those Societies are now existing. 
and are almost forgotten. Their decline was doubtless owing to the 
jealous and all-controlling influence of slavery. 

The views of Benjamin Lundy were decidedly favourable to the 
colonization of the free people of colour, provided it could be done with 
their own consent. To ascertain with clearness how far it would pro- 
mote the real welfare of those people to emigrate to Hayti, he visited 
that island twice, and was favourably impressed with the project, and 
many removed there in consequence of his influence. He also made 
several journeys into Texas, at that time under the Mexican govern- 
ment, for the purpose of procuring a tract of land in that country for an 
extensive settlement of coloured people— but was prevented from 
realizing any of his well meant and benevolent schemes by the revolt 
of Texas, which he then foresaw would aim at being annexed to the 
United States, and laboured, publicly and by his^pen, to arouse the 
people of this country to see the evils which would result from such a 
measure. 

He died inl839, after 23 years of unparalleled labours for the pro- 
motion of the abolition of slavery, and for the welfare of the free people 
of colour, in pursuit of which no difficulties deterred, or dangers dis- 
mayed him. In his travels, alone, often on foot, he encountered fatigue, 
hunger and exposure to the frost and snows of winter, the rains and 
scorching suns of summer, the contagion of pestilence and the mias- 
matic influence of insalubrious regions— ever pressing onward towards 
the attainment of the great object to which he had dedicated his 
existence. 



85 

1826. The Society being apprized that a bill had been in- 
troduced into the Legislature of Pennsylvania, entitled " An 
Act to give effect to the Constitution of the United States, 
relative to fugitives from labour, for the protection of free 
persons of colour, and to prevent kidnapping/' under which 
plausible title some very erroneous provisions were introduced 
at the instigation of, and for the benefit of the slaveholders of 
Maryland and other Southern states, a memorial in relation 
thereto, was prepared, and a committee appointed to go to 
Harrisburg, to present it to the Legislature, and endeavour to 
frustrate the enactment of the bill. They subsequently reported 
that in conjunction with a deputation from the Society of 
Friends, whom they found at Harrisburg on the same occasion, 
they had succeeded in procuring the erasure of the most ob- 
noxious features of the bill. 

At the annual meeting, a communication was received from 
the President, W. Rawle, on the subject of the domestic slave 
tratle ; also a copy of a bill which had passed the committee 
of the whole in the House of Representatives of this state, 
entitled, " A bill relative to the sale of fugitives from labour." 
A resolution was adopted, embracing the principle that the 
Society believe it to be competent to the authorities of this 
state to prohibit the domestic slave trade within its limits. A 
very interesting memorial was also prepared, and presented to 
the Legislature, in which it it stated that the feelings of the 
citizens of the southern and western borders of this Common- 
wealth, are frequently outraged by the passing through of 
droves of human beings, of both sexes, and of all ages, mana- 
cled together. And in many instances, the extremities of 
suffering, the indecencies and enormities of the African slave 
trade have been observed. They pray that the Legislature 
would stigmatize this nefarious traffic with the same epithets 
on the American, that it bears on the African shores. They 
also assert as the belief of the Society, that, " the honor and 
character of the state, can only be sustained by altogether in- 
terdicting the passage through this commonwealth, of the ob- 
jects of that cupidity, which equally transports its victims from 

8* 



86 

the shores of Africa, or the confines of Virginia." The me- 
morial concludes by soliciting that the bill now before the 
House, may be so amended as to prevent the transportation ot 
persons intended for sale, through the state. 

It may be proper to mention, although there is no record oi 
the fact on the minutes of the Society, that in the course of this 
and the following year, a weekly periodical was published in 
Philadelphia, edited by Enoch Lewis, under the title of " The 
, African Observer," which contained a large amount of useful 
matter, tending to illustrate the necessity of abolishing slavery, 
and proving such a measure to be at once consistent with 
principle and sound policy. 

1827. Twelfth month. — A committee was appointed to 
consider the propriety of taking a census of the coloured 
people of the city and county of Philadelphia, and of exa- 
mining into their condition. That committee subsequently re- 
ported sundry statements compiled from official documents in 
the office of the chief marshal for the Eastern District of 
Pennsylvania for 1820, and from books or other documents in 
the County Commissioner's office for 1821 and 22, furnishing an 
interesting account of that class of our population at that time. 
The statement was probably prepared by the late Joseph 
M. Paul, whose devotion to the cause of the oppressed, and 
particularly to everything which had a tendency to the im- 
provement of the coloured people, was conspicuous during 
many years. It is only a just tribute to the 4nemory of this 
worthy man to state, that it was mainly owing to his assidu- 
ous exertions, in conjunction with Roberts Vaux, while acting 
as a member of the Board of Directors of Public Schools, 
/ that the coloured people were admitted to the rights which 
\i they now enjoy under the new school law of this state ; and 

that the commodious school house, known as the Lombard 
street school, was built and established for their use and benefit. 
The statement alluded to contains the following : 
Number of coloured males in city and county, 4454 

« u i. Females, " " 6132 

Total, 10,586 



87 

There were 219 taxable estates reported, the value of which 
as returned by the assessors, amounted to $114,839 ; and two 
coloured men were assessed for a personal tax. 

In relation to the means for the education of coloured chil- 'i 
dren, the committee ascertained that there were at that time in 
operation, the two Clarkson schools, one for boys, and the 
other for females, under care of this Society, having 189 
scholars; three schools under care of the Society of Friends, / 

and known as the Willing's Alley school, one of which was a j / 

night school ; in all 164 scholars ; one under care of the | ^ 

Friendly Association, with 31 scholars. There were also two '^ 

schools^ with 58 scholars, supported by funds left by Dr. Bray. 
Besides these, there was ten private schools, kept mostly by 
coloured teachers, averaging from 6 to 32 scholars. Total num- 
ber of children enjoying the advantages of school education, 
352 males, and 272 females. 

The American Convention for Promoting the Abolition of 
Slavery, having determined to try the experiment of carrying 
their operations into the slave states, assembled in Baltimore, 
11th mo. 3d, 1828, and it may not be uninteresting in these 
reminiscences of the incidents of the Society, to state the rou- 
tine of business which the convention pursued. At this 
meeting, there were seven societies represented by delegates. 
Committees were appointed upon the following subjects : 

1. On the African Slave trade ; 2. On the Internal or Do- 
mestic Slave trade ; 3. On the State of Slavery in the United 
States ; 4. On the laws relating to slaves and the free people 
of colour ; 5. To prepare a memorial to Congress in relation to 
Slavery in the District of Columbia; 6. To prepare an address 
to the citizens of the United States, and one to the different 
Abolition Societies. On these subjects some of the reports pre- 
sented were highly interesting. 

1829. Eleventh month. — The convention met at the city of 
Washington. In the address of this Society to that body, much 
satisfaction is expressed at the prospect of their assembling at 
the seat of the general government, as they say, " There in 
the face of the National Representatives, frankly and firmly to 



88 

exercise the rights of freemen, in discussing, recommending and 
promoting those pure and holy principles, on which our separate 
and o-eneral associations are I'ounded." The convention was 
urged by the society, to expose by every means in their 
power, the atrocious inconsistency of slavery with the in- 
stitutions of free America, and especially to direct attention to 
its existence in the District of Columbia ; they also refer to 
some startling facts stated to the House of Representatives, in 
January last, by C. Miner, Esq., at that time a member of Con- 
gress; and to a resolution of the House of Representatives of 
Pennsylvania, in 182S, on the same subject. 



CHAPTER XV. 

1830. A period of half a century, had now elapsed since 
the Legislature of Pennslyvania, on the 30th of March, 1780, 
passed the celebrated act for " The gradual abolition of 
Slavery." By the provisions of that act, all the children born 
of coloured parents, were declared free, on attaining a cer- 
tain age. Thus Pennsylvania took her position amongst the 
free states of the Union. This character, although severely 
denounced in the slaveholding states, was soon widely 
known amongst the victims of oppression ; many of whom in 
their ignorance believed that if they could escape and get into 
Pennsylvania, they would be secure from the pursuit of their 
masters. Great numljers accordingly absconded, and being pur- 
sued under the laws of the United States, were arrested, and 
often dragiicd in the most brutal manner before masfistrates 
previously known to be favourable to the slaveholder; thus 
they were often remanded upon insufficient testimony, and re- 
turned into hopeless slavery. In this manner many free blacks, 
were, under colour of law, kidnapped, and consigned to bondage 
even without the aid of law. 



89 ■ • 

The labours of the acting committee were thus greatly in- 
creased, while the artifice of secret arrests, and hasty clandestine 
proceedings before the magistrates, were resorted to by negro 
catchers, (as the emissaries of the slaveholder were called,) in 
order to prevent the hated interference of the Abolitionists be- 
tween them and their unfortunate victims. The Society, and 
its acting committee, were unremitting in watchful care over 
the rights of the coloured people, and although they could not 
prevent the recovery by a southern claimant, of what he alleged 
to be his property, when ample proof was legally presented, 
yet numerous cases are on record, where by active and perse- 
vering exertions many persons were rescued from the ruthless 
grasp of slaveholding agents, who had long before been manu- 
mitted, and enjoyed for years the sweets of liberty. 

The increase of labour occasioned by these frequent and 
vexatious arrests induced the Society to take decided action on 
the subject. A memorial was prepared and presented to the 
Legislature, setting forth the grievances to which free peo- 
ple of colour were exposed, and the difficulties which the 
Society encountered in defending their right to liberty, as 
a consequence of these measures. A supplement to the afore- 
said law, for the suppression of kidnapping, &c., was enacted, 
by which persons arrested as slaves, were not allowed to 
be taken before aldermen or magistrates, but before a judge 
of one of the courts. This served as a considerable check 
upon the kidnappers, and relieved the acting committee from a 
great deal of extra service ; for although this branch of duties 
continues to claim the attention of that committee, and many 
very interesting cases are annually reported to the Society, it is 
very evident from inspection of the minutes, that its labours were 
from that time greatly diminished. 

The evil spirit of slavery seems to have frequently beset the 
Legislature of Pennsylvania, in order to obtain some modifica- 
tion of our laws upon this subject, as we again find on the 
minutes of 1831, notice of a committee having been appointed 
to confer with the members of the Legislature, in order to pre- 
vent the passage of any law unfavourable to the coloured people. 



4 



90 

A memorial was subsequently prepared upon the subject, and a 
committee appointed to go to Harrisburg, to attend to its 
presentation. 

The expediency of having public lectures delivered upon the 
subject of slavery, appears to have occasionally engaged the 
attention of the Society ; and in 1832, a committee was 
appointed to consult with the counsellors of the Society, to 
endeavour to prevail on some of them to deliver, on the 4th of 
July, an oration " on the existence of slavery and the domestic 
slave-trade in the United States, and its influence on the happi- 
ness of the community." It does not appear, however, that any 
thing was done. But the next year, 1833, a discourse of the 
kind was delivered on the 4th of July, by Dr. Edwin P. Atlee. 

In the course of this year, the sorrowful tidings was received 
of the death of the celebrated philanthropist, William Wilber- 
force, through whose indefatigable labours in the British House 
of Parliament, the African slave-trade received its final aboli- 
tion, so far as the British nation was concerned. The Society 
appointed David P. Brown to deliver an eulogium on the life 
and character of this excellent man. 

The Society, although still favourable to the gradual abolition 
of slavery, and having encouraged the formation of most of the 
Societies which had been instituted for promoting emancipation 
upon that system, or for protecting the people of colour in the 
enjoyment of the rights they had acquired, appears to have had 
no jealousy towards the new Anti-Slavery Societies, which 
were now beginning to be formed in many places. As a spe- 
cimen of the manner in which these Societies were viewed by 
this, the records for this year, 1833, show that a letter had 
been received from Robert B. Hall, the Secretary of the New 
Haven Anti-Slavery Society. A committee was appointed to 
prepare a suitable reply ; in which it is stated " That the So- 
ciety had received the communication with much satisfaction, 
and cordially welcome the New Haven Anti-Slavery Society 
into the ranks of the friends of universal liberty, and among 
the firm opposers of slavery and the slave-trade, both foreign 



91 

and domestic." " In the year 1794, several Societies were 
organized, and numbered among their members many of the 
most distinguished philanthropists of our country. Since that 
time we have seen one after another discontinue its labours, 
until we were left almost alone. By the unwearied efforts of 
Benjamin Lundy, and those who supported him, a number of 
new institutions were formed in the southern portion of the 
Union. But, unfortunately, they also have shrunk from a con- 
test, which to them appeared for a time hopeless. And now, 
even in Maryland, we know of no Association for the Abolition 
of Slavery." " This state of torpor and insensibility," they 
ascribe to the operation of self-interest, " the real promoters of 
slavery being those who are engaged in manufacturing and 
vending its products." The address concludes : " When we 
reflect on the apathy which has so generally pervaded the 
United States on this subject, we cannot but rejoice that New 
England is again coming forth in her might to our assistance." 

A considerable time elapsed, as appears by the Minutes, 
without the occurrence of any thing requiring particular notice, 
except that in 1835, a memorial was prepared to be presented 
to Congress, praying lor the abolition of slavery in the District 
of Columbia. In the succeeding year, 1836, the Society suf- 
fered a loss in the death of the venerable William Rawle, its 
senior counsellor, and for many years President of the Society. 
In him the comjnittee always found a prompt and faithful ad- 
viser, and his memory was duly honoured by the Society, at 
whose request David Paul Brown delivered a very interesting 
eulogium, which was published at the expense of the Society. 
Thomas Shipley was elected President in place of the lamented 
Rawle. But again affliction awaited the Society, and a second 
time in the same year, was the office rendered vacant by the 
death of the incumbent. Thomas Shipley died 17th of the 9th 
mo. 1836. Possessed of almost every requisite for usefulness, 
he became decidedly the most efficient friend oi the slave whose 
name at that time stood upon the rolls of the Society. 

Dr. Edwin P. Atlee was appointed to prepare a suitable 



92 

memoir of his life and useful labours in behalf of the slaves. 
But he also paid the debt of nature, before he could have made 
any pro^Tess in the work which had been assigned him. His 
death was much lamented, and the Society, in appointing Dr. 
Isaac Parrish to fulfil the duty of delivering an appropriate 
eulogium upon Thomas Shipley, considered Dr. Atlee worthy 
of a respectful notice in the same discourse. The service was 
performed to the satisfaction of the Society and of a numerous 
audience convened on the occasion of its delivery. It was sub- 
sequently published by order of the Society. Doctor Joseph 
Parrish was elected President, to fill the vacancy occasioned 
by the death of the lamented Shipley.* 

* The name of T. Shipley is so sweetly embalmed in the recollec- 
tion of all the present race of abolitionists, and is so ultimately connected 
in our minds with the interesting scenes wherein he acted so conspicuous 
a part, that h is deemed an act of justice to his memory, that some 
further notice should be taken of his great services, beyond the brief 
paragraph above quoted, which is all the minutes afford. The follow- 
ing extracts from the interesting memoir, prepared by Dr. Isaac Parrish, 
will serve to show the excellence of his character. 

'•The part which T. Shipley acted in the trying scenes so often pre- 
sented in our courts, arising out of our connection with the system of 
southern slavery, has invested his character with a remarkable degree 
of interest, and caused his name to be respected by the philanthropic 
and good throughout a large portion of our country." 

■'■ His energy and zeal in the business of the ' Acting Committee,' soon 
distinguished him as the most efficient member of the Society, in this 
department of its duties. So intense was his interest in all cases where 
the liberty of his fellow man was at issue, that, during a period of many 
years, he was scarcely ever absent from the side of the unhappy victim, 
as he sat before our judicial tribunals, trembUng for his fate. The 
promptings of interest, the pleasures and allurements of the world, the 
quiet enjoyment of a peaceful home, were all cheerfully sacrificed, when 
his services were demanded in these distressing cases. Often has he 
left the pursuits of business, in which his pecuniary interests were 
materially involved, to stand by the unhappy fugitive in the hour of his 
extremity, with an alacrity and a spirit, which could only be displayed 
by one animated by the loftiest and the purest principles of 
philanthropy.'"' 



93 



CHAPTER XVI. 

1836. The bold aggressions of the slave power having 
been manifested in the Congress of the United States, by the 
passage of a rule of the House, known as the 21st, by which 
all petitions relating to slavery, were excluded, and John 
Quincy Adams having signalized himself by extraordinary 
efforts against the encroachments of slaveholding domination, 
the Society, by special resolution, passed a vote of thanks to 
him and several other members of Congress, for their manly 
exertions on this memorable occasion. 

Many of the victims of oppression in the Southern States, 
prompted by that natural desire for liberty, which is inherent 
in mankind, courageously braving the dangers of recapture by 
their masters, left their chains behind and fled towards the free 
States. Even there, whether slaves or free, no matter how long 

'•'The time and labour expended by Thomas Shipley in protecting 
the interests of the coloured people would be almost incredible to those 
who were not aware of his extraordinary devotion to this object. 
Scarcely a day passed in which he wap not engaged in some work of 
benevolence connected with his philanthropic pursuits." 

'• In a memorandum book it is stated that his advice and assistance 
was bestowed in twenty-five cases in a little more than a month. In one 
very remarkable case, which occurred at Mount Holly, New Jersey, he 
spent eighteen days, being assisted by the Abolition Society's energetic 
and distinguished counsellor, D. P. Brown." This was in the 12th 
month, 1836. In the course of the trial, he performed two long journeys, 
travelling day and night, although the weather was exceedingly cold 
and tempestuous, the purpose being to obtain documents of gieat im- 
portance, and by means of which complete success was the resuU, and 
the liberty of a valuable and justly respected coloured fellow citizen was 
secured." The further benefit which was produced by this trial, was 
the cliange it was the means of producing in the public mind in favour 
of the coloured people — the efiect of which resulted in the enactment 
of a law by the next meeting of the Legislature of New Jersey, granting 
a trial by jury to all persons claimed as slaves. 

9 



94 

they might have spent in the enjoyment of freedom, they were 
liable at any time suddenly to be arrested under the claim of 
some person assuming to be their master. In many such cases, 
Avhich came under the cognizance of the Acting Committee, 
the rights of the pretended owner were found to be either ficti- 
tious or very doubtful. The examinations of slave cases before 
Judges were often very summary, and the decisions con- 
sequently liable to error. The Society, taking these circum- 
stances into consideration, presented a memorial to the Legis- 
lature, setting forth the dangers to which the liberties of the 
coloured people were exposed in such cases by the irrevocable 
decision of a single judge, and praying that in all cases where 
personal freedom or slavery for life was involved, it should be 
submitted to a regular jury trial. The following year a simi- 
lar application was made to the State Convention, for altering 
the Constitution. 

1837. One of the objects for which the Society was insti- 
tuted, being to promote the improvement of the coloured peo- 
ple, a Committee* was this year appointed to visit them, either 
in their families or public meetings, as should appear most suit- 
able. They were to extend to them such advice in relation 
to their rights and duties as citizens and members of the com- 
munity, as would tend to elevate them in the state of social, 
moral and intellectual beings. They were also to collect as 
far as practicable, and preserve such statistical and other infor- 
mation, as will show the condition of the coloured inhabitants 
of the city and districts, in relation to the following subjects, 
viz : — Number of persons, value of real and personal pro- 
perty, education, charitable institutions, amount of taxes paid, 
places of public worship, &c. The committee were directed 
to keep regular minutes of their proceedings, and to report to 
the Society quarterly. 

The committee finding the duties assigned them too exten- 
sive, were subsequently authorized to employ one or more 

* Isaac Barton^ Edward Needles, James Mott, Joseph M. Truman, 
W. Harned, D. Neal, Peter Wright, Edward Hopper, Geo. Pennock, L. 
C. Gunn, Isaac Parrish. 



95 

agents to proceed with the investigations directed. They were 
to issue a circular Address to the coloured people, explanatory 
of the objects and wishes of the Society, and the intention of 
the committee in sending those agents amongst them, and into 
their families. The committee subsequently made three sepa- 
rate reports, which were directed to be printed for general cir- 
culation. As the information contained in these documents is 
not familiar to the public at large, a few brief extracts may 
prove interesting. 

" The coloured population was found to amount to 18,768. 
Of whom two hundred and fifty four were ascertained to have 
paid an average sum of $278, each, for their freedom, making 
an aggregate of $70,612. And of the number who had come 
from other States of the Union, 273 individuals brought with 
them money amounting to $130,626. The real estate held by 
coloured people was valued at $550,000, and the personal pro- 
perty, $800,000, making an aggregate of $1,350,000." 

" Some estimate of the value of this class of population to 
the community was deduced by the reports, from the estab- 
lished fact, that the support of each pauper in the Philadelphia 
Alms House, is ascertained to be $58.24 per annum. But con- 
sidering the comforts and conveniences, known to be enjoyed 
by a large number of the coloured people, it cannot be pre- 
sumed that their yearly expenditures is over-rated by an average 
value of $65 a year, which would amount to the sum of 
$1,219,920 per annum. A profit on which sum, to those who 
enjoy their custom for the necessary articles of food, clothing, 
and for other comforts, at the supposed moderate rate of 20 per 
cent, would yield $243,984, which if divided between 1000 
men of business, would afford them each a clear profit on that 
portion of their trade with coloured people of near 244 dollars 
a year." 

" The yearly amount of rent paid by the coloured people is 
$161,008. The taxes upon the property so rented, is well 
known to be provided for by the owners, in the rent demanded. 
The tax which is paid in that way is equivalent to an assess- 
ment on a capital of $161,008, and is estimated at $17,710. 



96 

Add to this $3,252, actual tax paid upon their real estate, 
makes the sum of $20,962. Besides 454 dollars paid for water 
rent." 

" There were returns also made to the committee of no less 
than 80 chartered beneficial Societies, instituted for the pur- 
pose of affording mutual aid in times of sickness and distress, 
which are believed to have a powerful influence in preventing 
pauperism and crime." 

" There are 12 schools of a public character, for the free 

instruction of coloured children. Besides which, there are 13 

^ other schools, three of which are taught by white teachers, and 

nine by coloured people; the aggregate number of scholars 

being 1732." 

" The committee were aware of the existence of a number of 
societies amongst the coloured people formed for the purpose 
of their mutual improvement, and for exciting in each other a 
laudable spirit of emulation in respect to literary and intellec- 
tual pursuits, but the name and specified objects of only a few 
were obtained." 

"There was ascertained to be sixteen houses for public 
worship, owned by five different religious societies, and com- 
prising a body of near four thousand communicants. The value 
of the property so held, together with their burying grounds, 
was valued by a disinterested land broker at $100,000," 

The third and last printed report of the committee con- 
tained a register of trades and occupations followed or carried 
on by coloured people, containing the names of 653 indivi- 
duals, with their business and places of residence. 

The meetings of the American Convention for Promoting 
the Abolition of Slavery, &c., having been suspended for 
several years, a committee was appointed to inquire into the 
proper course for this Society to pursue in relation to that 
concern. The committee reported at a subsequent meeting, 
when it was resolved to propose, in Meriting, to such Societies 
as are known to have been represented in the last convention, 
to bold a special meeting for the purpose of taking such order 



97 

in relation to the future assembling of the convention, as 
should be deemed constitutional and expedient. 

1S3S. The Abolition Societies of New York and Delaware 
having united with this Society in the propriety of calling a 
special meeting of the American Convention, a meeting of 
delegates from the three Societies was accordingly convened 
in Philadelphia, at which, "after mature consideration, it 
was determined that, as the great object for v\'hich that body 
was originally organized did not appear likely to be farther 
promoted by its longer continuance, the Convention had better 
be then dissolved " — which report was adopted. After making 
provision for the publication and preservation of the minutes 
of their proceedings, and an amicable division of the funds, 
the American Convention was dissolved, and adjourned sine 
die, having continued its valuable labours for a period of forty- 
four years, during most of which time it had exerted a powerful 
influence on the public mind in relation to slavery. 

A committee* appointed last year to attend to the inte- 
rests of the coloured people in the convention for amending 
the Constitution of this State, reported, that an alteration 
which had been proposed, to prohibit the emigration of 
coloured people into this State, was passed over, without being 
acted upon by the convention ; but that the introduction of 
the word " white," before " freemen," so as to limit the right of 
suffrage to whites only, prevailed by a large majority, notwith- 
standing the strenuous exertions used to prevent it. In like 
manner, their endeavours to obtain a constitutional provision 
for a trial by jury for persons claimed as fugitives from labour, 
were unavailing — the motion to that effect being lost by an 
equally large majority. They informed the Society that much 
powerful argument, and splendid eloquence had been displayed 
by many of the delegates in behalf of the rights of the coloured 
people, although entirely lost upon the body to which it was 
addressed, as there seemed to be in the convention a fixed 
hostility to that despised people, and a humble subserviency 
to southern policy was strikingly manifest. 

* Committee: George Griscom, Isaac Barton, Daniel Neal, John 
Thoaia^on. Isaac Pairish, Edward Hopper, and James Mott. 

9* 



9S 

1839. The minutes of the acting committee, which are 
read before the Society at every quarterly meeting, still con- 
tinue to exhibit many highly interesting cases, wherein the 
liberties and just rights of the coloured people were success- 
fully vindicated, and some remarkable instances of individuals 
rescued from slavery are upon record within the period men- 
tioned. No other branch of the concerns of the Society ap- 
pear to have engaged special attention. 



C II A P T K K X \' 1 1 . 

1840. Third month. — The sad intelligence of the death 
of the late President of the Society, Dr. Joseph Parrish, was 
communicated to the meeting; whereupon the regular business 
of the Society was suspended. A committee was appointed to 
bring forward to a future meeting suitable resolutions in rela- 
tion to this afflicting event. The committee subsequently re- 
ported the following, which were adopted : 

Whereas, we have learned with deep regret the decease ot 
our late President, Joseph Parrish, M. D. : Resolved, that in 
the death of this distinguished individual, our Society has lost 
one of its most zealous and valuable members — that in his cha- 
racter we recognize an unbounded philanthropy, a pure and 
comprehensive benevolence, embracing as its object every 
species of human calamity and suffering. 

Resolved, That in his efforts to promote the purposes of this 
Society, our departed brother was actuated by a principle of 
universal justice, which abhorred oppression of every kind, 
and acknowledged the rights and liberties of every human 
being, irrespective of clime, colour or condition. 

Resolved, That we deeply lament the departure of one 
eminent for the purity, fidelity and inflexible integrity which 
he exhibited in all the relations of life — for his enlightened 
and discriminating mind — for his uncompromising devotion to 



99 , 

truth — for the urbane, dignified and modest deportment, which 
always characterized his intercourse with his fellow men, and 
which rendered him an ornament and a beautiful example in 
our community. 

Resolved, That Edward Hopper be requested to prepare a 
discourse upon the life and character of the deceases i. and de- 
liver the same before a meeting of this Society. 

Resolved, That the officers of the meeting be requested to 
sign and present to the family of the deceased, a copy of the 
preceding resolutions, and that they be published in the daily 
papers of our city. 

From the manuscript copy of the Memoir prepared by 
Edward Hopper, in accordance with the above resolution of 
the Society, we have been permitted to make the following 
extracts : 

" Joseph Parrish was born in the city of Philadelphia, the 
2nd of 9th month, 1779. His parents, Isaac and Sarah 
Parrish, were highly respectable members of the Society of 
Friends." 

(His father was also one of the original and prominent mem- 
bers of the Pennsylvania Society for promoting the abolition 
of slavery, and his children, particularly the object of oiir pre- 
sent notice, profiting by his example, and careful religious 
training, early imbibed a remarkable sense of justice and hatred 
of oppression.) " The evils of slavery and the cruelty and in- 
justice which consigned so large a portion of his fellow men 
to oppression and degradation claimed much of his attention. 
It was impossible, constituted as he was, for it to have been 
otherwise, as every thing pertaining to the happiness of the 
human family took a strong hold of his feelings. While yet a 
boy, he associated himself with others in conducting the first 
evening school for coloured persons, established in Willing's 
Alley," (in this city.) 

" Soon after attaining the period of manhood, he became a 
member of the Society, under whose auspices we are noM- con- 
vened, and on the death of our excellent ' Shipley,' he was made 
our President. He soon became well known to the coloured 



100 

community, and embraced many opportunities to promote the 
welfare of that deeply injured people. He frequently accom- 
panied his venerable uncle John Parrish," (also one of the old 
members of the Abolition Society,) " who was concerned many 
times to visit those in authority, to intercede for his oppressed 
fellow creatures. His pen, his tongue, and his purse were 
often employed on their behalf. Several years ago he prepared 
and published in one of our daily papers a series of essays on 
the subject of Colonization, which showed successfully that 
that scheme was calculated in its tendency to rivet more secure- 
ly the fetters of the slave." 

" When during the session of the late Convention for amend- 
ing the Constitution of this State, the subject of disfranchising 
the coloured people was under discussion, he believed it to be 
his duty to address that body under his own signature. He 
accordingly published a letter to its honored and distinguished 
President, giving his views at length upon the subject, and 
earnestly entreating them not to stain the record of our supreme 
laws by such an unrighteous distinction." 

" He was ever ready in his ov.n religious Society, to bid 
God-speed to every movement that was likely to hasten the 
day of emancipation, and he loved to recur to the labours of 
Woolman and Benezet, and others, who with his own revered 
ancestors had been active in their eflbrts to break the chain of 
oppression. And however slowly the work seemed to progress, 
he was anxious to persevere, and to embrace every right open- 
ing to advance the righteous testimony. He had not forgotten 
the labours of Dillwyn, Harrison, Hoare, Knowles, Lloyd 
and Woods, members of his own religious Society, who met 
in London, in 1783, to consider what steps they should take 
for the relief and liberation of the negro slaves in the West 
Indies, and for the discouragement of the slave-trade on the 
Coast of Africa. He knew the difficulties with which they 
were surrounded, but he also knew that the God of the op- 
pressed had caused their work to triumph." 

Dr. George B. Wood, in his memoir of tiie life and character 
of Dr. Joseph Parrish. delivered before the Medical Society of 



101 

Philadelphia, says : " A strenuous advocate on all occasions for 
the rights of his fellow men, he suffered no motives of present 
convenience to prevent him from interfering by word and deed, 
whenever he believed these rights to be invaded. The wrongs 
of the poor Indian were not unfrequently the subject of his pen, 
and his sympathy for the degraded negro was ever active, 
though preserved by his sound judgment within the bounds of 
propriety. Like all the members of his sect, an uncompromis- 
ing opponent of slavery, he never hesitated to express his sen- 
timents upon the subject, nor to yield his aid and counsel in 
individual cases. He was long a member and ultimately Pre- 
sident of the old Pennsylvania Abolition Society, in which 
office he had been preceded by Drs. Wistar, Rush, and Frank- 
lin." " He was selected by the eccentric John Randolph, when 
on his death bed in Philadelphia, to be a witness of his last 
wishes in relation to his slaves; and as a necessary consequence 
to be the organ of those wishes before the Courts of Virginia. 
For the due performance of that office, he was peculiarly qua- 
lified ; as with the firmness which enabled him to adhere 
unswervingly to what he believed to be truth and justice, he 
combined a suavity of manner, a benevolence of feeling, an 
openness of character, and an obvious singleness of purpose, 
which disarmed hostility, and disposed even those who were 
most averse to his views, to admire and love him as a man." 

At an adjournment of the stated meeting for the 6th month, 
Edward Needles was elected President, and at a subsequent 
meeting of the Society, part of a memorial of General Gaines 
to Congress was read. Whereupon the following preamble 
and resolution was adopted : 

Whereas, Edmund Pendleton Gaines, a Major General in the 
United States army, in his memorial to Congress, dated Nash- 
ville, Tennessee, December 31, 1839, charges " the advocates 
of human freedom, more familiarly called abolitionists,^' with 
being organized bands of British spies, and pioneers secretly 
employed in preparing and hastening a tragedy of blood and 
desolation. And whereas, this charge is not true — and is a 



102 

direct impeachment of the character and patriotism of a large 
and reputable class of American citizens. Therefore 

Resolved, That this Society feels called upon by a sense of 
duty to itself, and to the cause of humanity in which it is en- 
gaged, respectfully to request General Gaines to produce the 
evidence upon which he has founded this charge of treason on 
our part against the best interests of our common country." 
A committee was appointed to present him with a copy of 
this resolution. He soon after left here for Kew Orleans, 
having paid no attention to the subject. 

1841. The managers of the House of Refuge for juvenile 
offenders, having constantly refused to admit coloured children 
to the benefits of that iristitulion, the subject engaged the at- 
tention of the Society for a considerable length of time. Me- 
morials and remonstrances were addressed to the managers, and 
subsequently a committee was appointed to confer with them 
upon the subject. They reported that the board had adopted 
sundry resolutions favourable to the erection of additional build- 
ings for the accommodation of coloured children who may re- 
quire to be sent into such an institution, provided the funds ne- 
cessary for the erection of such buildings, were procured through 
the instrumentality of this Society, or the friends of the coloured 
people at large. It being a time of great difficulty in monied 
concerns, it was deemed to be a peculiarly inauspicious season 
to attempt the collection of funds ; further proceedings thereon 
were suspended for the present. 

1842. First month. — The annexation of Texas to the United 
Slates being much talked of, the Society became interested in the 
measure contemplated, which being strongly advocated by the 
politicians of the Southern states, was considered by many to 
be eminently calculated to extend the area of slavery, and 
strengthen the bands of oppression. The Society deemed it 
worthy of enquiry ; and a committee was appointed to prepare 
a memorial to Congress upon the subject, which was subse- 
quenly adopted, and directed to be forwarded to our representa- 
tives in that body. 



103 

The Society having become considerably reduced in the num- 
ber of members, and the interest Jn its concerns seeming to de- 
crease, and the burden of the cause pressing heavily upon a 
few individuals, the subject was taken up for serious considera- 
tion. A committee was appointed to inquire what measures, 
if any, could be adopted for its resuscitation, and to extend 
the sphere of its usefulness. In their report, the committee 
attribute the low state of the Society, in great measure, to 
a diminution of the value of its active capital, the yearly 
income from which is so far reduced as to be inadequate to 
sustain [the heavy expenses incurred by the acting committee. 
Some account of the extraordinary services in which the said 
committee had been engaged, are detailed, the expenses of 
which for the year, amounts to $368; in attending to more 
than forty cases wherein their services had been required, and 
which gave occasion to write and receive seventy-five letters. 
They had also prepared and sent out twelve sets of freedom 
papers, and documentary testimony on behalf of free people of 
colour, kidnapped or taken up at the South, and rendered liable 
to be sold as slaves. Most of these cases occurred in New Or- 
leans, and some in Florida. In consequence of the vindictive 
and cruel laws of the slave states, these demands upon the 
acting committee are constantly increasing ; and were the funds 
at their disposal adequate, their services could be extended with 
far more advantage than has ever yet been done. It was 
further proposed that these subjects, together with such infor- 
mation of a like character as may be deemed expedient to 
circulate amongst the community, be laid before a public meet- 
ing to be convened for the purpose, by circular notices written 
for the occasion. The report of the committee was adopted, and 
a special meeting of the Society was accordingly held in public. 
Several addresses were delivered on the occasion, and con- 
siderable interest was manifested ; the result of which was the 
offer of a number of names of individuals as candidates for 
membership. 



104 



CHAPTER XVIII. 

1843. First month. A committee, appointed at a previous 
meeting, to propose such measures as would promote the gene- 
ral purposes for which the Society was formed, reported, " that 
they believe it would be proper to send a memorial to Congress, 
asking them to amend the Constitution of the United States, 
so as to exonerate the citizens of this Commonwealth from all 
participation in slavery. That a similar memorial be sent to the 
Legislature at Harrisburg, asking them to repeal all laws of 
this State that in any wise uphold slavery." The Committee 
also reported a series of resolutions, as follows : 

1. " Resolved, That while as citizens of Pennsylvania, we 
claim no right directly to interfere with slavery within the 
limits of the slaveholding States, we do assert that our own 
soil ought to be really free to all that tread upon it." 

2. " Resolved, That as Pennsylvania, by her laws, institu- 
tions, public offices or property, cannot directly interfere to put 
an end to slavery within the limits of other States, so she 
ought not by these or any other means to lend her aid to 
uphold or perpetuate slavery in any part of the earth." 

These resolutions were adopted, and directed to be publish- 
ed in the daily papers, and memorials were prepared in ac- 
(;ordance with the suggestions of the Committee. 

The provisions of the law for the education of all the chil- 
dren of this Commonwealth having been for some time past 
extended to the coloured people, the schools which this Society 
had supported for their benefit for a series of years past, had 
become less necessary. Some attempts were made by the So- 
ciety to establish a school wherein the higher branches of edu- 
cation should be provided for coloured children, but the ex- 
penses incurred exceeding the funds properly belonging to 
education purposes, the experiment was abandoned. The 
schools under care of the Society were suspended for several 
years, but the funds of the Board were now (.6th mo. 1843) so 



105 

far recovered as to justify further attention to the subject of 
education. A committee was appointed to inquire into the 
state of the funds, and into the expediency of again organizing 
a school for coloured children. That committee reported that 
much inconvenience was found to exist amongst poor coloured 
women, who were under the necessity of leaving their little f .-• 
children at home, without proper care takers, while they were^'' 
necessarily absent, in pursuit of their lawful engagements. 
The committee therefore recommended the establishment of an 
infant school, under the care of the Society. The Board of 
Ecucation whose duties had been suspended, was re-organized, 
and the school put into successful operation. The report of 
the Board to the annual meeting, states the number of children 
on the roll to average 78, and with 58 in regular attendance. 
The establishment of this school has given much satisfaction 
to the coloured people, and has afforded the children the 
benefit of a much needed preparation for admission into the 
public primary schools, through which they must pass previous 
to entering into the grammar schools. 

1844. The following preamble and resolution was produced 
to the Society, by a committee previously appointed for the 
purpose, and adopted : 

" Whereas, we have been informed of the death of our 
venerable and distinguished townsman, Peter S. Duponceau, 
who for a period of nearly half a century was connected with 
this Society, and who maintained through life, a lively inter- 
est in the promotion of universal liberty ; therefore. Resolved, 
That in the death of this venerable man, the cause of human 
rights has lost one of its earliest and most ardent advocates ; 
a man whose heart warmed towards his fellow man of every 
clime and colour, and who looked with abhorrence upon that 
system of oppression which makes property of human beings." 
" Resolved, That a copy of the foregoing preamble and re- 
solution, be published in the daily papers, attested by the offi- 
cers of the Society." 

At the same meeting, a memorial to Congress was adopted, 
again remonstrating against the admission of Texas into the 

10 



106 

Union. It was directed to be forwarded to one of our Senators 
at Washington, and published in some of the daily papers-. 

1845. The Society again addressed the Managers of the House 
of Refuge, upon their continued refusal to admit coloured children 
into that institution. The subject was taken up by the committee 
specially appointed " for the improvement of the coloured peo- 
ple," who visited all their places of public worship, where, after 
the religious exercises were over, the members of the committee 
addressed the congregation upon several subjects pertaining to 
their moral and religious welfare, and urged upon them the 
necessity of taking measures to induce the managers of the 
House of Refuge to admit such coloured children as un- 
fortunately require the beneficial restraints of such an institu- 
tion. Petitions to the managers for that object were presented 
for their signatures, and about eight hundred names were sub- 
scribed. A similar petition was circulated by the committee, 
which was signed by a considerable number of our most respecta- 
ble white citizens, and presented to the managers. These 
measures are believed to have had the effect of rousing the 
board to action upon this question. They were followed by a 
])ublic meeting of citizens, at which a large and energetic 
committee was appointed for the purpose of raising money to 
enable the managers to purchase a lot of ground, and to erect a 
^^uitable building for the reception of coloured juvenile of- 
fenders. But as the intention of the managers, and of the 
committee, as set forth in their appeal to the public for funds, 
was to Institute a total separation between the white and 
coloured children, the Society considered it inexpedient to par- 
ticipate in the movement, under the impression that the intro- 
dudtion of such a principle into our penal institutions, would 
be a departure from the settled policy of our state, and calculated 
still further to rivet the prejudice against our coloured 
population. 

1846. At an adjourned meeting held First month, of this 
year, a memorial to the Legislature of the state was adopted, 
requesting the repeal of all laws that are now in existence, 
which tend to the support or sanction of slavery in any manner 



107 

whatever ; also, one of a like tenor and for the same objects, 
for general circulation. A great number of signatures were ob- 
tained to these petitions, which were entrusted to a committee 
appointed to attend to their presentation, with authority to send 
a special delegation to Harrisburgh for the purpose of pro- 
moting the objects of the petitioners. Strong hopes were enter- 
tained that the great exertions of the Society would have been 
successful, but the session passed over without anything being 
done. At the next meeting of the Legislature, the Society 
again presented a memorial upon this important subject, 
strongly remonstrating against magistrates, judges, sheriffs, or 
any odier officers of the state, being allowed to act in any case 
of persons claimed as slaves ; and that our public prisons should 
not be used as receptables for the confinement of such ; and 
that no citizen of any other state shall be permitted to hold a 
slave within the limits of this commonwealth for the term of 
six months, as heretofore allowed ; and asking that our 
coloured population may be shielded as far as the strong arm 
of law can protect them, from the danger to which they are 
now exposed of being arrested as slaves, upon fraudulent pre- 
texts. The memorials were, as heretofore, presented to both 
houses of the Legislature. On this occasion they were respectfully 
received and referred to special committees, who reported a 
bill, which was subsequently passed unanimously, providing in 
almost every respect for what the Society had asked for. Thus 
were their long and arduous exertions for the relief of this 
much injured people crowned with success. It is but an act 
of justice, however, to acknowledge, that this much desired law 
was obtained by the assistance and zealous co-operation of the 
Society of Friends. 



108 



CHAPTER XIX. 



The rise and progress of this Society has how been detailed 
through a period of seventy-two years. It commenced as an 
association of a few benevolent individuals of the Society 
of Friends, formed for the purpose of protecting the liberated 
slave from being kidnapped, and to act as their advisers. 
But in the gradual development of light, the great doctrine of 
the equality of the human family, which formed the basis of the 
testimony of the religious Society of Friends against slavery, 
through the operation of which they had rid themselves of this 
sin, began to be infused into the public mind. 

From them as from a bright focus, emanted those rays of 
light and truth, which illuminated the minds of some of the 
leading men of that age, and fired them with enthusiasm 
in favour of the rights of man. Prompted by the sentiments of 
patrotism, benevolence and philanthropy, they saw the little 
band of Friends, who formed the first association for the relief 
and protection of the oppressed descendants of Africa, and 
comprehending at once the extent and importance of the prin- 
ciples involved, and the beneficial results they were capable of 
producing, in favour of that unfortunate and degraded class of 
the human family, joined themselves to the Society, and by 
their united influence infused fresh vigor into its councils. In 
view of the more enlarged sentiments entertained by the mass 
of the people, in relation to the principles of civil liberty, and 
which were acknowledged to pertain with equal force to all 
classes, without respect to colour, the constitution was altered, 
and the present title of the Society adopted. 

In process of time, they became a numerous and influential 
body, in the full career of dignified usefulness ; with boldness 
and the stern independence of freemen, conscious of their own 
rights, but liberal towards others, addressing the august tribu- 
nals and legislatures of States and of the nation, in behalf of 



109 

the victims of oppression, in terms of respectful but urgent 
entreaty for their relief, so far as the utmost stretch of the 
constitution would permit. We see them withstanding to the 
face the angry slaveholder, maddened almost to fury at having 
his right to the trembling object of his pursuit not only 
doubted, but resisted, and he compelled to prove his claim by the 
strictest rules of law. Hundreds of cases are on record where 
such resistance has resulted in successfully vindicating the just 
rights of the coloured man, against the atrocious attempt of 
some unprincipled agent to establish a claim of ownership, which 
had no foundation either in law or equity. 

As the physical powers of man are incapable of sustaining 
long and unremitting toil, but will inevitably fail under its 
incessant continuance, so it would seem to have been with the 
abolitionists of the last century. Their labours were of 
a character eminently calculated to exhaust the energies of men 
actively engaged in carrying on the great work of " promoting 
the abolition of slavery, the relief of free negroes unlawfully 
held in bondage, and for improving the condition of the African 
race." They came into immediate conflict with slavery, as 
practically carried out, and laboured actively to convince the 
judgments of their opponents of the sinfulness of holding their 
fellow creatures in bondage ; in addition to this, they were 
in almost daily attendance before magistrates. Courts, and 
judges, in defence of the rights of the poor trembling fugitives 
from oppression. Such is a mere shadow of their labours ; 
indeed, time would fail us, to enumerate the trials and diffi- 
culties they had to sustain. Is it any wonder, then, that men 
who had seen such service should break down, and as they 
advanced in years, feel the necessity" of rest, and gradually re- 
tire from the conflicts in which they had so long been engaged. 
Thus by unavoidable desertion, by death, and various other 
causes, the numbers of the Society were greatly diminished. 

Fortunately, however, those cases of judicial controversy with 
the slaveholders, which formerly occupied so much of the time 
and attention of the acting committee, and consumed so much 
ot the funds of the Society, have for several years been 

10* 



110 

less frequency, and at the present time are comparatively 
of rare occurrence ; so that the energy which formerly charac- 
terized the Society, and which put to the test the courage ot 
its members, is seldom in these times brought into action. 
Hence the apparent decline of the Society, which for want 
of the powerful stimulus of direct conflict with slavery, is not 
so actively engaged, and has passed into a state of comparative 
ease and tranquillity. 

But it does not fallow that the standard of its principles has 
been lowered, or that its usefulness has ceased. Its acting com- 
mittee is still busily employed in defending the rights of per- 
sons seized as slaves, and it is still alive to the progress of 
events upon the momentous question of slavery in the United 
States. 

The condition of the coloured population of the city and 
adjoining districts, although far in advance of what it was at 
the organization of this Society, is also a subject '' which still 
occupies its close attention. The schools already instituted 
lor the education of coloured children, have largely contributed 
10 benefit the people as a class, and will demand the vigilant 
attention of the Society, under whose fostering care it is hoped 
much may yet be effected towards the elevation of the coloured 
youth of our city. It would not be difficult to point to many 
families amongst them, whose intelligence and moral standing 
in the community, is justly referable to the early training they 
received in these schools, and it has afforded encouragement to 
many members of this Society, to hear the acknowledgment 
of numbers of respectable individuals, that to these schools, 
they were, under the divine blessing, mainly indebted for their 
success in life. Hence has also arisen that thirst for knowledge 
amongst the coloured population, which lias lead to the forma- 
tion of societies for promoting the exercise of their intellectual 
faculties, and for the pursuit of literary and scientific objects. 

The importance of sustaining a Society on which devolves 
the performance of such services, must be apparent to every 
reflecting mind, and we cannot but solicit renewed interest in 
its concerns from all those who desire to witness the progress 



Ill 

of those principles, which it was instituted to promote. It is a 
link in the chain of operations, which cannot be dispensed 
with, seeing that it performs a part of the great work which 
can be done by no other Association. Those who really love 
the cause of the slave, should cherish this Society, give it their 
patronage, their devoted, active and cordial support. 

Let it be remembered that it was one of the earliest instru- 
mentalities through which the great principles of universal 
emancipation were promulgated in America, and that by its 
steady adherence to these principles during a long course of 
years, its movements have become closely interwoven with 
the yet unwritten history of the Abolition of Slavery, so 
so far as it has yet progressed. That it may continue its 
labors, until that great work is completed, must be the ardent 
desire of its friends and supporters. 



While this memoir was passing through the press, it was sug- 
gested to the Committee of Publication, that the Constitution of • 
the Society, as it existed at the time of the Act of Incorporation, 
would be useful to the members, .and particularly interesting to 
tlie descendants of the original Corporators into whose hands this 
publication may chance to come; it was therefore concluded to 
print the Constitution as adopted in 1787 ; and to insert such al- 
terations and amendments as have subsequently been made. 

CONSTITUTfON 

OF THE 

PENNSYLVANIA SOCIETY. 

FOR 

PROMOTING THE ABOLITION OF SLAVERY; &e. 



It having pleased the Creator of the world, to mahe of one 
flesh all the children of men — it becomes them to consult and 
promote each other's happiness, as members of the same family, 
however diversified they may be, by colour, situation, religion or 
different states of society. It is more especially the duty of those 
persons, who profess to maintain for themselves the rights of 
human nature, and who acknowledge the obligations of Chris- 
tianity, to use such means as are in their power, to extend the 
blessings of freedom to every part of the human race ; and in a 
more particular manner, to such of their fellow creatures, as are 
entitled to freedom by the laws and constitutions of any of the 
United States, and who, notwithstanding, are detained in bondage, 
by fraud or violence. From a full conviction of the truth and ob- 
ligation of these principles — from a desire to difluse them, whcre- 
ever the miseries and vices of slavery exist, and in humble confi- 
dence of the favour and support of the Father of Mankind, the 
subscribers have associated themselves, under the title of the 
" Pennsylvania Society for promoting the Abolition of Slavery, 
and the Relief of free Negroes unlawfully held in Bondage." 

For effecting these purposes, they have adopted the following 
constitution : 

I. The officers of the society shall consist of a president, two 
vice-presidents, tvi^o secretaries, a treasurer, twelve counsellors, 
(viz : six from the city and county of Philadelphia, and one from 



1 14 CONSTITUTION. 

each of tho. following counties, viz : Bucks, Montgomery, Lan- 
caster, York, Northampton and Delaware) an electing commit- 
tee* of twelve, and a board of education of thirteen, and an acting 
committee of sixt members; all of whom, except the last named 
committee, shall be chosen annually by ballot, on the last Fifth- 
day called Thursday, in the month called December. 

II. The president, and in his absence one of the vice-presi- 
dents, shall preside in all the meetings, and subscribe all the 
public acts of the society. The president, or in his absence, 
either of the vice-presidents, shall moreover have the power of 
calling a special meeting of the society whenever he shall judge 
proper. A special meeting shall likewise be called at any time, 
when six members of the society shall concur in requesting it. 

III. The secretaries shJfll keep fair records of the proceedings 
of the society, and shall correspond with such persons, and socie- 
ties, as may be judged necessary to promote the views and objects 
of the institution. 

IV. The treasurer shall keep all the monies and securities be- 
longing to the society, and shall pay all orders signed by the 
president or one of the vice-presidents — which orders shall be his 
vouchers for his expenditures. He shall, before he enters upon 
his office, give a bond of not less than two hundred pounds, for 
the faithful discharge of the duties of it. 

V. The business of the counsellors shall be to explain the laws 
and constitutions of the states, which relate to the emancipation 
of slaves, and to urge their claims to freedom, when legal, before 
such persons or courts as are authorised to decide upon them. 

VI. The electing committee shall have the sole power of admit- 
ting new members. Two-thirds of them shall be a quorum for 
this purpose — and the concurrence of a majority of them by bal- 
lot, when met, shall be necessary for the admission of a member. 
No member shall be admitted, who has not been proposed at a 
general meeting of the society, nor shall an election for a mem- 
ber take place in less than one month after the time of his being 
proposed. Foreigners or persons who do not reside in this stale, 
may be elected corresponding members of the society, without 
being subject to an annual payment, and shall be admitted to the 
meetings of the society during their residence in the state.! 

• The Electing Committee subsequently was annulled. 

t In 1847 the Acting Committee was made to consist of seven members, and 
the words " except the last named committee" was to be stricken out. 

i In 1830 this article was repealed and the following substitute adopted, to 
w'U : " No person shall be admitted to membership who has not been proposed 
at a previous meeting of the society, nor shall an election take place in less 
than one month after the time of his being proposed. 'I'he concurrence by 
ballot of two-thirds of the members present at a stated meeting shall be neces- 
sary for the admission of a member." 

'• For eigners or persons who do not reside in this state may be elected corres- 



CONSTITUTION. 



115 



VII. The board of education shall superintend the schools 
established by the society, and manage the funds appropriated to 
their support. Seven* members shall constitute a quorum to 
transact the general concerns of the board. Ail orders, drawn 
by their chairman, and attested by their secretary, shall be paid 
by the treasurer of the society. They shall keep regular minutes 
of their proceedings, and produce them at every slated meeting 
of the society. 

VKl. The acting committee shall transact such business as 
shall occur in the recess of the society, and report the same at 
each quarterly meeting They shall have a right, with the con- 
currence of the president or one of the vice-presidents, to draw 
upon the treasurer for such sums of money as shall be necessary 
to carry on the business of their appointment ; and be authorised 
to employ a clerk to transcribe their minutes into a book provided 
for the purpose. Four of them shall be a quorum. [After the 
first election, two of their number shall be relieved from duty at 
each quarterly meeting, and two members shall be appointed to 
succeed them.t] 

IX. Every member upon his admission, shall subscribe the 
constitution of the society, and contribute two dollars annually, 
towards defraying its contingent expences : (Provided, that any 
member paying at one time the sum of thirty dollars or upwards, 
shall be exempt from all future annual contributions.) If he neg 
lectsto pay the same for more than two years, he shall, upon due 
notice being given him of his delinquency, cease to be a member. 

X. The society shall meet on the last" Fifth-day called Thurs- 
day in the months called March, June, September and December, 
at such place as shall be agreed to by a majority of the society. 

XI. No person holding a slave shall be admitted a member of 
this Society. 

XII. No law or regulation shall contradict any part of the 
constitution of the Society, nor shall any law or alteration in the 
constitution be made, without being proposed at a previous meet- 
ing. All questions shall be decided, where there is a division, by 
a majority of votes. In those cases where the Society is equally 
divided, the presiding officer shall have a casting vote. 

ponding members of the society without being subject to an .innual payment, 
and shall be admitted to the meetings of the society during their residence in 
the state." 

* In 1847 altered to "Five." 

t This was stricken out in 1847 and the Committee made to be elected 
aiiQualiy. 



1 16 CONSTITUTION. 

RESOLUTION, ADOPTED JULY 5th, 1790. 

Resolved, That in case of the death of the president, either of 
the vice-presidents, or of the treasurer, or that either of them 
should refuse or decline to act in their stations respectively, or be 
removed for misconduct, notice shall be given thereof to a general 
meeting of the Society, to be convened for that purpose, within 
thirty days after such vacancy shall happen ; at which meeting 
the Society, shall proceed to elect by ballot (in the same manner 
as at the annual election) some other suitable member or mem- 
bers of this corporation to succeed in the place and stead of such 
officer so removed by death or otherwise ; and for the purpose of 
such election, the secretaries or either of them, are hereby au- 
thorized and directed to call such general meeting, by advertising 
the time and place thereof, at least three days before the day ap- 
pointed for the same, in two or more of the public newspapers of 
this city ; and in case the secretaries shall neglect or refuse to 
perform this service, the committee of correspondence, and on 
their neglect, the acting committee shall have the power and au- 
thority, and are hereby directed to call such general meeting in 
the manner and for the purposes aforesaid. 

Resolved, That in case of the absence of the president and 
vice-presidents from any meeting of the Society, the members 
present are empowered and authorized to appoint some other 
member to act in the station at that time. 



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